Nearly 25 years ago, while working for the The News, Mrs Ireland would pop across the street to lead a senior citizens exercise class.
Last week she retired from the co-ordinator role, which she has held since 2020, but she will still be heading to the exercise classes to support the other volunteers.
Her cheerful nature, seemingly endless supply of activity ideas and enthusiasm for dressing up in costume have made the lives of retired people in Alexandra a lot brighter. Last year she was nominated by the group to represent them in the Blossom Festival Senior Queen competition.
"It was an honour to represent [them]. We are proud of our work and grateful for the wonderful seniors who shaped our community," Mrs Ireland said.
Her focus was on making retirement fun by providing activities every week day ranging from housie and card games to craft and shared meals to encourage social interaction. Transport services made sure no-one missed out on joining in the fun.
Fundraising was a big part of her job to ensure the opportunities were affordable for all, knowing the financial challenges many seniors faced, she said.
Working through Covid was the toughest time she had experienced in her role.
She spent hours on the phone ensuring all the members were coping and making sure they had contact with someone, Mrs Ireland said.
As she hands over the reins to new co-ordinator Shaleen Botha, the members will still see her keeping up with her craft group as well as the exercise class.
