The Hellenic Alzheimer’s Association (E.E.N.A.L.) visited elderly residents at the municipal nursing home of Larissa, on Clean Monday (also known as Pure Monday, Ash Monday, Monday of Lent or Green Monday), on 18 March 2023, in the context of encouragement and mental empowerment. The association's president Eleni Kampoura-Nifli talked with the residents about customs and especially about kite-flying. The participants were delighted when she presented them with a multi-coloured kite full of geometric shapes. Being presented with these kites took them on a journey and they revealed personal stories about the kites they remembered from childhood. Everybody's interest focused on the kite-flying, as the wind was not strong.
Preparation for flying the Kite followed, for those who were capable of participating, while others who were less mobile watched the proceedings from their bedroom windows. Giannis, a tenant of the nursing home flew a kite in the courtyard and Giannis was rewarded with a round of applause from the others for managing to get the kite up into the air. He was photographed by volunteer Anna Karagouni. Afterwards, the residents enjoyed popcorn in the outdoor kiosk, sang and exchanged wishes. E.E.N.A.L's volunteers closed the event by greeting the participants and making a promise: "Our thoughts will accompany you".
