Sharonlea resident is not slowing down in her 70s

Florence Bilsland has always had a heart for people and a knack for money management, which despite her desire for peace and quiet has pushed her to new heights in recent years.

The 72-year-old Sharonlea resident is busier than many people half her age.

Following an engaging and fruitful career as a credit controller, Bilsland heard from a friend about a reception job at the South African Guide-Dogs Association.

“I thought this is for me because I wanted a quieter job, not having to ask people for money,” she said about taking the job in her 50s.

However, a position opened up for a trust and legacy coordinator at the association and Bilsland was just about roped into it. She joked that it was against her wishes but she was still with the association 20 years later, loving the challenge of acquiring funding for it.

“The government rarely gives us anything and we get most of our money from wills,” she explained.

“It is a difficult job, asking people to leave us a little bit but I love it. I am grateful to the Guide-dogs Association that they don’t look at age but it is about ability and willingness for them.”

Being able to play with the lovely guide dogs is also much fun, and of course, she gets to see families and people in need of guide dogs get paired with new family members, she added.

Bilsland emigrated from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1972. She has two daughters and three grandchildren.

“I love Sharonlea. Its people are friendly and in seven years there have been no incidents of crime at my home.”

She praised the Greater Sharonlea Residents Forum for putting up more than 90 street cameras and linking them with security companies so they are monitored 24/7, and suspicious vehicles and licence plates can be responded to immediately.

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