A Wee County woman who dedicated over a quarter of a century to combating loneliness among the elderly through charity work at Re-engage has announced her retirement. Dorothy Anderson, who has spent 27 years taking elderly people on day visits as part of her role with the organization, has closed the door on a chapter filled with invaluable contributions to the well-being of older individuals. Re-engage, previously known as Contact the Elderly, aims to reduce social isolation among seniors by organizing events such as tea parties and activities. In celebration of her retirement, Dorothy was treated to a tea party attended by members of the charity and those they support, serving as a touching tribute to her remarkable efforts in improving the lives of older people in Clacks and beyond.
Reflecting on the farewell tea, Dorothy expressed her gratitude, saying, The afternoon tea was lovely…it was really special. She highlighted the dedication of the hostesses, some of whom have been involved for over 30 years. Having attended over 1000 afternoon teas in her lifetime, Dorothy expressed her appreciation for the countless wonderful people she had met throughout her tenure, stating, We have around 197 years between us in my group, so it’s been an amazing group to be involved in.
Dorothy has devoted most of her life to working with various charities, including the Samaritans, deriving great satisfaction from helping others. While she is retiring from organizing afternoon teas and outings, she will continue her involvement with the telephone befriending scheme, ensuring that elderly individuals have someone to talk to. With plenty of other commitments on her plate, Dorothy believes that retiring now is for the best, allowing her to continue supporting those in need through telephone befriending.
Re-engage, the charity Dorothy worked closely with, remains committed to providing valuable support to older people. They organize various events and initiatives aimed at reducing social isolation among seniors. For more information on Re-engage and their work, please visit their website at reengage.org.uk.
Dorothy’s retirement marks the end of an era defined by compassion, dedication, and a firm commitment to improving the lives of elderly individuals. Her invaluable contributions have touched the hearts of many, leaving a lasting impact on the community. As she embarks on a new chapter in her life, Dorothy’s legacy of kindness and selflessness will undoubtedly continue to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of older people.
