Ninety-nine-year-old Trudi Kaplan’s wish to visit the imaginary world of Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam was recently granted thanks to Uniting AgeWell’s Wishing Well program.
Trudi, originally from the United States, has no relatives in Australia. She currently resides in the Uniting AgeWell Queenborough Rise community in Hobart and loves to express her creativity through art.
Queenborough Rise lifestyle coordinator Candace Harrington accompanied Trudi to the Hobart performance.
“Trudi doesn’t go out much and doesn’t have a lot of social interaction; she tends to prefer solo or one-on-one activities,” Ms Harrington said.
“She loves her arts, enjoys drawing and painting at her easel.
“When she found out Cirque du Soleil was coming to Hobart, she was really excited so we put in a nomination for her wish.
“An experience at Cirque du Soleil Quidam would combine her love of arts and the circus and have a positive impact on her health and wellbeing. It would also enable her to experience something new.”
The Wishing Well program helps people supported by Uniting AgeWell achieve their dreams, no matter what they might be.
The wishes are diverse – from publishing their memoirs, to helicopter flights, or rides on Melbourne’s iconic Puffing Billy. No dream is too big or too small.
Ms Harrington said the expression on Trudi’s face was amazing as she ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ throughout the show.
Trudi said she was expecting to see some animals but was totally taken away by the sounds and world-class circus skills of the performers.
“It was a great experience. Thank you for the outing and the souvenir program,” she said.
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