New Acropolis Toronto

New Acropolis Volunteers Encounter Older People


Viva a Cultura!

Members of New Acropolis Toronto met with residents of Extendicare Rouge Valley nursing home on October 1, the day designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Older People.

The theme of the evening was "Dialogue amongst generations based on soul values". Acropolitans met and greeted residents in a room adorned with bouquets of white flowers and "origami storks".

Some of the discussion centred on age as being related the state of the soul as well as the body. It was noted that physical bodies, whether those of trees, animals or humans do unravel over time, but the soul can remain forever young and fresh to meet circumstances with determination, generosity and intelligence: a genuine smile or a touch being an act of youthful love, enriching both the giver and the receiver.

Members guided small groups in the creation of a plaque with words of wisdom and artistically arranged ribbons for the doors and lounges in the residence. The meeting ended with wine and cheese and animated encounters, each attendee taking with him or her a small gift to remember the occasion.

One of the Ideals of New Acropolis is the creation of a universal fraternity without distinction of race, creed, sex, nationality, social condition or colour. While the residents were touched by the visit, meeting a group of older people, who for various reasons live outside familiar family settings and intimate contacts, also deeply touched and enriched all our volunteers.