Throughout the existence of Starenki, we have received significant support from private donors from various parts of the world. Catherine Tordo from France is one of those who cares about the lives of the elderly in Ukraine. The 72-year-old woman often travels and has five grandchildren, whom she calls her treasures. She is fortunate to have close relatives nearby, but Catherine knows that older people often remain alone, so she decided to support them.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
All my life, I have worked on preserving the archaeological heritage, architecture, and urban landscapes of France to inspire people around me with cultural values. Now retired, I spend a lot of time reading and observing people while traveling around Paris and its suburbs.
How did you learn about Starenki?
I got acquainted with the activities of Starenki through my daughter-in-law, who has been a volunteer for this charitable foundation for several years. This incredible project has become an important service that allows isolated elderly people to eat properly, take care of themselves, and live in better conditions, including through interactions with young people.
The Foundation’s website contains a lot of interesting information for donors, the organization’s statutes, and various support options are described in detail. The photos vividly illustrate the numerous events and the joyful atmosphere of meetings with the elderly!
Why did you decide to support this particular Fund for helping the elderly in Ukraine?
In February 2022, Ukrainians quickly and effectively responded to the organization of solidarity and resistance in many areas of civil life.
Seeing that the volunteers of the Foundation maintain strong connections with the elderly and continue their mission despite the full-scale war, I wanted to join and make my small contribution. This is a way to stand by the determined young people who dedicate their time, energy, and skills to important initiatives. They are the founders of tomorrow’s Ukraine.
In your opinion, what are the most common problems faced by elderly people?
Loneliness is dreadful when it’s not your choice. Society continues to evolve, and the elderly are no longer actively involved. They feel useless and sad, gradually losing the taste for life.
Poverty is also exhausting: when there is not enough food, when there is no longer the ability to take care of oneself, buy clothes, have acceptable housing conditions. How can one maintain their health and continue to play their role in society under these circumstances?
In France, the social system generally protects the elderly, but not everyone. There are significant problems with housing, services in medical institutions, and society’s indifference. Associations like Les Petits Frères des Pauvres, with which you, by the way, collaborate, play an important role in supporting elderly people in need.
In Ukraine, when the big war came, life priorities were undoubtedly disrupted, families and friends were separated, contacts were interrupted, and there were many threats and dangers for the most vulnerable elderly people. The regular presence of volunteers must be a very important psychological support so that they do not lose their balance.
Why is it important to talk openly about the rights and interests of elderly people?
European countries are aging, and the poverty level is rising everywhere. National and international institutions must urgently commit to realizing the rights of the elderly: to have a retirement pension indexed to the cost of living, which allows them to maintain their autonomy, to have access to medical services and assistance.
But each individual must also respect those who have something to share, recognize the importance of elderly people for society, even if they are weaker and unprotected.
Do you think it’s important to openly talk about helping others?
I generally don’t like to talk about my life or justify my choices. But to support the Starenki Foundation, as well as a few other humanitarian initiatives that seem important to me, if it helps, I have to come out of my shell, as they say!
We are incredibly inspired by Catherine’s example, who, having the opportunity, helps her peers who are currently going through difficult times. This is a good reason to reiterate that age is not a barrier to good deeds and changes in society. Thank you, Catherine, and all donors who care about the elderly!