Meerkat-Themed Friendship Flourishes at Regis Woodlands on the Eve of International Friendship Day

We’ve all heard everybody needs good neighbours, but on the eve of International Friendship Day, we are reminded that we all need good friends too. And friendships are truly flourishing at popular aged care home, Regis Woodlands, if resident Annette Simons’ recent experience is anything to go by.

Annette admis to her long-held attraction and fascination with meerkats, after visiting Adelaide Zoo and seeing the cute creatures while holidaying with her husband, Doug, several years ago.

And because of falling in love with the small mammals, the couple couldn’t resist purchasing a souvenir from the gift store, a male meerkat which subsequently travelled with them in their caravan as they spent two years exploring Australia, along with another hand-made meerkat — a companion that they picked up along the way.

Annette said that on the couple’s return home, a dear friend presented them with a third handmade crocheted meerkat, which the couple named ‘Alexandr Orlov’, and on her arrival at Regis Woodlands, all three of the cute, cuddly creatures attracted a lot of interest from staff and visitors alike.

“For a long time, I searched to find another furry friend for Alexandr to complete my collection,” Anette said.

“And then during a chat with Regis’s Resident Companion, Lisa, I shared my story of the meerkats and why they are so special to me, not least because they had accompanied Doug and I all around Australia in a caravan.”

Unbeknownst to Annette, Lisa then asked a friend, known for her creativity, to crochet a fourth meerkat especially for Annette, which was then presented to her at her new home at Regis Woodlands.

“This was incredibly special to me, I was delighted by the generosity of friends and the kindness of strangers,” Annette said. “I feel that we meet people in life for a reason, and that we are all connected through friendships, and this gesture was particularly special.”

Krupa Shah, General Manager of Regis Woodlands, said Annette’s story was particularly pertinent, with International Friendship Day about to be celebrated on 30 July.

“Regis Woodlands is an extremely friendly and welcoming place to live, and we are very focused on ensuring that our residents are able to make sound, meaningful friendships with others,” she said.

“Anette’s story showcases how our community really rallies around each other, and will always demonstrate small kindnesses, whenever possible.”

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