From left: Denise Garcia, Barry Cain, Peta Warren and Lola Givers formed a friendship circle.
Camera IconFrom left: Denise Garcia, Barry Cain, Peta Warren and Lola Givers formed a friendship circle. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mandurah: bonds celebrated on International Day of Friendship

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

INTERNATIONAL Day of Friendship today has special meaning for several residents at Mercy Place, Mandurah.

That’s because, despite being in their 80s and 90s, residents Denise Garcia, Peta Warren, Barry Cain and Lola Givers have created a friendship circle proving that you are never too old to form friendships.

The residents started the group several months ago to provide emotional and social support to each other as well as find opportunities to share a cuppa and a good laugh.

Service manager Christina Venables says it’s heart warming to see residents developing such strong and meaningful friendships since moving in the home and seeing them being celebrated on International Friendship Day.

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“We are fortunate that many of our seniors have formed friendships with their fellow residents and as a result we have a close-knit community where people genuinely enjoy each other’s company and friendships flourish,’’ she said.

“The friendship circle that has been formed really just sums up our home in that our residents continue to be engaged in life and interested in other people’s stories and adventures.”

International Day of Friendship is a UN initiative that recognises the role friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures and is observed on July 30 each year.