A kind-hearted boy from Strawberry Fields Primary School demonstrated the true meaning of Easter when he paid a surprise visit to a care home resident in Garforth recently.
Young Calub Winterhalder struck up such a special bond with Augustus Court resident, Joyce Shaw, following an Intergenerational trip to the home with classmates, that when Easter Day arrived he donated an egg to his newfound friend.
Joyce and other residents were enjoying a Mad Hatters Tea Party at the home when Calub and his Mum popped in for a visit, being welcomed by a big hug and tears of joy as he presented the egg to her.
Joyce comments: “It was a wonderful surprise to see Calub walk through the door and present me with his own Easter egg. He’s such a lovely, considerate boy and I can say for definite that we’ll be friends for life.”
The pair first met during an arts and crafts session at the home whereby schoolchildren were invited in to create Easter bonnets with residents as part of a comprehensive programme of activities on offer at Augustus Court.
Care centre manager, Adam Lyle, says: “We’re delighted that Joyce and Calub have developed such a special friendship.
“We have always strived to get our residents involved within the community and meeting younger generations and it just goes to show how relationships can flourish no-matter what age you are or how different your circumstances.”
Intergenerational projects have been found to reduce isolation, loneliness and depression among the older generation, in addition to giving them a sense of wellbeing and responsibility for others.
