New friendships in Edinburgh

We’re busy building new friendships in Edinburgh!

Volunteer Ali with his dog Vinnie and VIP Annie

“I just love getting visits with that wee dog.”

One of Vintage Vibes’ first matches was between volunteer Ali Anderson-Elliott and VIP Annie. Moreover, the friendship has been completed with Ali’s wee terrier Vinnie.

Ali signed up to Vintage Vibes at our very first outing at the Edinburgh Volunteer Fair back in October 2015. Following his training, he was matched with Annie, who’s in her 80s and lives alone in Edinburgh.

The two have struck up a great friendship. Ali regularly visits Annie in her home, as well as accompanying her on short walks in the neighbourhood.

Annie has a wonderful zest for life. For example, she always wears colourful clothes and keeps herself active by knitting blankets that she sends to an orphanage in India, where her daughter lives.

Annie says Vinnie reminds her of the wee dog that her brother – who lived in Zimbabwe – owned, and she enjoys the cuddles that Vinnie gives.

Ali says volunteering with Vintage Vibes has been a great thing to do, and is very rewarding.

Additionally, the two were interviewed and filmed by STV Edinburgh for a piece on their Live at Five programme recently. You can watch it here.