“In Rome, at the International Congress on Pastoral Care for the Elderly, one message rang out clearly: the demographic transition the world faces poses significant challenges — but also opportunities for deeper connection across generations. As part of Grandparents Day foundation , our project “Roses & Stories” answers that call. Through a simple gesture — a child giving a rose to an older person, and in return receiving a story — we seek to break loneliness, build bridges, and honour the wisdom of elders,” Charles Lansdorp shares.
© Charles LansdorpCharles Lansdorp with Linda Bordoni from Radio Vatican
To mark the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam and kick off the national campaign against loneliness, Alexander Scholtes, Amsterdam’s Councillor for Public Health, Prevention and Social Development, and Grandparents’ Day ambassador Gerda Lenten Havertong baptised for this special occasion the “Rosa Amsterdam750”.
© Charles LansdorpBaptism of the Rosa Amsterdam 750 with Councillor Alexander Scholtens, Gerda Lenten Havertong, Riek Karg (Radio Mart) and, in the background, Peter Schrama (United Selections) and Laura Wiersma (Regional Director, Partou childcare organisation).
You can learn more about it here.
For more information:
Charles Lansdorp
[email protected]
Publication date:
Wed 15 Oct 2025