The co-ordinator for Milton Elder Care says that, 20 years on, the group of 29 volunteers who provide day care for the elderly is stronger than ever.
When Ruth Gorton started in her role four years ago, there were six clients. Today there are 39.
Mrs Gorton, who worked for nine and a-half years at Chateau Village Rest Home Care in Balclutha, has lived in Milton for nearly 50 years and when she became the group's co-ordinator, she went out and knocked on doors.
There was a division among the sexes at first.
''Males are really hard to get, because they think it's like a women's group,'' she said.
''But once we get them along, they're pretty good.''
Yesterday, the Milton Elder Care Trust celebrated its 20th anniversary with a three-course meal and a birthday cake.
Dorothy Flett was honoured as a foundation member and volunteer since the trust's inception.
About 80 people gathered at the Pipe Band Hall in Milton and the energy in the room belied the age of many of those gathered.
The group ranges in age from 57 to 96.
Six volunteers pick up the clients and the group meets at the Pipe Band Hall twice a week for several hours during the day.
