1845 East Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612.721.6215
littlebrothersmn.org
Contact: LuAnne Speeter
612.746.0753
lspeeter@littlebrothersmn.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly to distribute rose
lapel pins on Oct. 1, International Day of Older Persons
(MINNEAPOLIS – Sept. 12, 2013): The Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter of Little Brothers - Friends of the
Elderly will celebrate International Day of Older Persons on Tuesday, Oct. 1 by distributing free rose
lapel pins in several locations throughout the Twin Cities. The lapel pins are intended to serve as a
reminder for people of all ages to appreciate elders in our families and in our communities.
Friends of the Elderly staff members and volunteers will give out the silk rose lapel pins from 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. at the following locations:
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The Nicollet Ave. and 6th St. intersection in Minneapolis
The Hennepin Ave. and Lake St. intersection in Minneapolis
The Victoria St. and Grand Ave. intersection in St. Paul
The 5th St. W. and Market St. intersection in St. Paul
“International Day of Older Persons is the one day we have set aside to honor the contributions that elders
have made – and are making – in our lives,” said Greg Voss, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly’s
Executive Director. “Too often, we take older persons for granted and they become invisible to us. By
appreciating the elders around us, we celebrate and benefit from the many gifts they possess – wisdom,
humor, experience, energy and friendship.”
In 1990, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared that, around the world, each October 1
would be known as International Day of Older Persons. It was a recognition of the “need for innovative
and effective international co-operating in the field of aging” so that all countries can respond to the needs
of an aging population.
Those needs are becoming even more pronounced as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age.
Minnesota ranks second in the nation for longevity, and is home to a higher proportion of elders than
many other states.
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“In Hennepin and Ramsey counties, 49%-50% of elders live alone, and many are isolated and lonely. We
hope that, by wearing a rose, or seeing the rose on someone else, people will be inspired to take that extra
step to befriend and show appreciation to an elder.” said Voss.
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly has provided one-on-one companionship services and social
activities for isolated and lonely older adults in the Twin Cities for more than 40 years. A 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization, Friends of the Elderly has been recognized by the Charities Review Council for
meeting its 27 Accountability Standards. More information about Friends of the Elderly can be found at
littlebrothersmn.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LittleBrothersMN.
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