Shared stories, shared culture - how two women found friendship through Evergreen Connections

Perin (left) and Giti have found friendship through the Evergreen Connections Visits program, which is part of the Aged Cafe Volunteer Visitors Scheme.

Balwyn Evergreen is marking Loneliness Awareness Week (August 4-10) by highlighting the power of connection through the Evergreen Connections Visits program, which is part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).

This impactful program, which connects volunteer visitors with older people, has brought joy and meaning to many lives.

Among these inspiring stories is the special bond between Giti Mohajeri and Perin Anklesaria.

A shared history

Giti Mohajeri, 66, began volunteering with Balwyn Evergreen about six months ago, seeking purpose and connection in retirement.

A proud Persian woman from Iran, mother of two and grandmother of two, Giti’s love of cooking and socialising made her a natural fit for volunteering at Balwyn Evergreen, where she bakes savoury treats and shares her time with clients and staff.

However, it was her match with 84-year-old Perin Anklesaria that made her role even more meaningful.

“We are from similar cultures, so we just clicked,” Giti says.  “We talk a lot about our backgrounds, our memories, and we love going out for coffee together.

I even visit her at home, and we have had afternoon tea and gone out to an Indian restaurant. It’s become a real friendship.”

They spend time together at Balwyn Evergreen, after Giti’s baking commitments and Perin’s exercise class, which is always a morning well spent.

A long-time client of Balwyn Evergreen, Perin enjoys the lively atmosphere and has always embraced the chance to meet new people. She says her friendship with Giti has added a special layer to her experience at Balwyn Evergreen.

“I live with my daughter and her family, but having Giti to talk to is wonderful,” Perin said.

“We have so much in common and never run out of things to chat about - especially food and culture. I have always been a very social person, and meeting someone like Giti has been such a bonus to my life.”

A social mission

Balwyn Evergreen CEO Tina Hogarth-Clarke says Giti and Perin’s connection represents the heart of the Evergreen Connections Visits program.

“Loneliness doesn’t discriminate - it affects people of all backgrounds, ages and circumstances,” Tina says. 

“Programs such as Evergreen Connections Visits allow us to create meaningful connections that are built on shared culture, understanding and kindness.”

Funded by the Australian Federal Government, Evergreen Connections Visits pairs volunteer visitors with eligible older people who may be feeling lonely or socially isolated. Through regular visits, volunteers and their recipients form companionships that help combat loneliness and improve wellbeing.

“Giti joined to give back to her community, however, in doing so, she found a new friendship,” Tina says. 

“It’s a beautiful reminder that the simple act of showing up can change a life, sometimes two.”

A program focused on friendship

Like all good things, friendship grows over time. Through the Evergreen Connections Visits program, we’ve been fortunate to see genuine friendships like Giti and Perin’s develop and flourish.

These stories are truly heart-warming and show how a little kindness goes a long way in addressing loneliness.

If you’d like to join the program as a volunteer or recipient, please contact the office.