Anne Dobson's heartfelt farewell from NOAH
Anne Dobson said goodbye to NOAH on Friday at their All-In gathering at St Agnes Church Hall in Woodstock.
Image: Wesley Ford
After 24 years of dedicated service, long-time Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) staffer Anne Dobson has bid farewell to the Woodstock-based non-profit.
The send-off took place during NOAH’s quarterly All-In gathering on Friday, June 27, at St Agnes Church hall in Woodstock.
Seniors celebrated the occasion with singing, dancing, poetry and a fashion show, in honour of Ms Dobson’s contribution to the organisation.
The 55-year-old Rondebosch resident served as director and fundraiser during her time at NOAH, which supports the elderly community.
Ms Dobson said that it is an absolute privilege to work with senior citizens. “If you learn and listen to what they say, they share their livelihood of wisdom,” she said.
At NOAH, Ms Dobson said the seniors live with independence, they have freedom and choice.
At NOAH, many of the seniors can get involved with the various enterprises like working at the All Day Corner Café, the Selling Seconds charity shop, working on the switchboard and making craft items.
Ms Dobson said that many of their beneficiaries were denied opportunities to grow when they were younger, though at NOAH they were given an opportunity to have their dignity restored.
“We give them a choice to get involved in the organisation, we do entrepreneurial skills training, digital skills training, and they show an unbelievable desire to keep learning,” she said.
Ms Dobson said she feels terrible for leaving, though she believes that the organisation is in strong hands. “I will always come back to visit,” she said.
NOAH director, Victor Southwell, said he is sad to see her go.
“She knows more about this organisation than what the organisation “knows” about itself sometimes, we can never replace the experience she brought to the organisation,” he said.
He added, “I will miss her and she leaves the organisation in a solid situation.”
NOAH resident, David Waggenstroon, thanked Ms Dobson for her years of service.
“Anne is such a humble person, I wish she had a younger sister who could take over from her and we want to say that we are grateful for the service she provided,” he said.
Ms Dobson next role is to work with the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund non-profit at the start of July.
From left are NOAH residents, Suzanne Thorpe, Delicia Jones, Irene Summers, Mervin Slade and Martin Daniels singing the song, “Friends are Friends forever.”
Image: Wesley Ford