Rotary initiative brings smiles to elderly

Youngsters have been cheering up older residents across Aberdeen by making them cards.

The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Bon Accord came up with the idea to brighten up the day for those using the services of Mears Care Aberdeen.

Care workers have been taking the cards, which include messages and stories, to the people they visit, and already they are bringing smiles to hundreds.

Mears care service manager Nicola Keenan said: “We were delighted when Rotary approached us with this idea.

“Taking these cards out to those we care for who live independently in their own homes with our care and support, has made an enormous difference.

“With social distancing measures in place, many families have not been able visit loved ones so this initiative from Rotary is even more important at this time.”

Iain Macdonald, president of Rotary Club Aberdeen Bon Accord, said he believed that they had helped distribute 3,000-4,000 cheerful cards to various homes and facilities through the initiative.

He added he was “overwhelmed” by the response of those taking part – and the positive feedback.

Currently there are more than 5,000 people shielding from coronavirus in Aberdeen, some of whom receive care from Mears Care who try to enable people to live independently with support when required.

Ms Keenan added: “Our care workers have been at the forefront in this crisis, looking after people in their own homes, in their own communities.”