Mercy Place Mont Clare Residents to Celebrate International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship on Friday 30 July will have special meaning for two residents living at Mercy Place Mont Clare.

That’s because, despite being an octogenarian and nonagenarian respectively, residents of the not-for-profit home Ethel Delmenico and Isobel Sprivulis are living proof that age is never a barrier to making new friendships.

91-year-old Ethel and 82-year-old Isobel met at Mercy Place Mont Clare at the end of last year, and by their own admission immediately connected and got on ‘like a house on fire’.

“We spend a lot of time together and enjoy similar activities including drinking the odd glass of wine, doing our embroidery and reminiscing about the past,” says Ethel, who is a born and bred West Australian.

“I grew up during the depression and Isobel was born just after, so we have both experienced the repercussions of those years and well remember how people grew and persevered their own food and made sure not to waste anything.”

“Making friends with Ethel has been a wonderful thing,” adds Isobel.  “We look after each other and enjoy spending time together, as well as organising get-togethers with our friends here at Mercy Place Mont Clare. We’ve both had long lives and are never stuck for things to talk about.”

Mercy Place Mont Clare General Manager, Jo Forrest, says everyone at the not-for-profit home was delighted that Ethel and Isobel had developed a firm friendship throughout this year.

“It is heart-warming to see the companionship that has developed between the pair since moving into the home,” she says.

“We’re fortunate at Mercy Place Mont Clare in that many of our seniors have formed strong bonds with fellow residents, and as a result we have a close-knit community where seniors genuinely enjoy each other’s company and friendships flourish.”

International Day of Friendship is a United Nations day that promotes the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures. It is observed on July 30 each year.

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