A Valentine’s Day Surprise for the Elderly

Bring a Smile, Fight Loneliness, and Celebrate Connection!

Quelle Surprise was inspired by my grandfather, a man who loved surprising others. After my grandmother passed away, one of the things he did on Valentine’s Day was buy a flower for all the women in his service flat. It was his way of ensuring that no one felt lonely or left out on a day that can sometimes remind us of isolation.

This Valentine’s Day, Quelle Surprise is launching a beautiful initiative to bring love and connection to those who need it most—our elderly community members. Many seniors in nursing homes experience loneliness, especially on holidays like Valentine’s Day. We want to change that, and we need your help.

For Valentine’s Day 2025, we’re offering you the opportunity to send a red rose and a personalized poem to an elderly resident in a nursing home in Vienna— delivered personally by an actor/actress. Our performers will visit the nursing homes, handing out roses with a smile and delivering a poem to make these moments unforgettable.

How You Can Help:

1. Purchase a Rose: With just one simple purchase of a symbolic ticket, you’ll send a red rose with a personalized poem to a senior on Valentine’s Day.
2. Make a Connection: Your contribution is more than just a gift—it’s a way to bring connection and joy to those who may feel forgotten. The actor will add a personal touch by delivering each rose with a poem, sharing a message of love and care.
3. Spread the Love: Your participation directly helps combat loneliness in elderly communities and brings smiles to faces that need them the most. You’ll be part of a collective effort to spread empathy, joy, and connection.
4. Receive a Thank-You: After your rose has been delivered, you’ll receive a name and photo of the senior who received your rose, along with a heartfelt thank-you. This is a beautiful reminder of the difference you’ve made in someone’s life.

Why This Matters:

For many seniors in nursing homes, especially those without close family or friends nearby, Valentine’s Day can be a tough reminder of isolation. This is your chance to make a real difference. By purchasing a rose, you not only bring joy to one senior but also show that our community cares, supporting the fight against loneliness and promoting human connection.

Let’s Make a Difference Together!

Each rose you purchase represents a moment of joy and a step toward a more inclusive, compassionate society. With your help, we can make this Valentine’s Day special for seniors in Vienna who may have no one else to celebrate with. Your gesture will brighten a senior’s day, combat loneliness, and promote a more connected, caring world.

Performed by Rosa Braber & Lisa-Carolin Nemec
Photographer Ksenia Kovalenko

In cooperation with Haus Gustav Klimt
An initiative of Quelle Surprise - Celine Vanhoutte
www.instagram.com/quelle.surprise

Drawing by Sarah Van de Voorde
Photo thanks to © Silk & Willow