It started with bake sales, movie nights, raffles and a few friendly quizzes.
Twelve months later, residents and staff at Ryman Healthcare’s retirement villages across Australia have raised an extraordinary $130,566.25 for Dementia Australia.
The achievement was celebrated with a special cheque presentation at Ryman Healthcare‘s Weary Dunlop Retirement Village in Wheelers Hill, 23kms southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, on Thursday 22 October.
But the fundraising partnership has delivered something beyond the money raised. It has also brought residents together, created new friendships and helped people better understand dementia.
Little events make a big difference
Throughout the year, residents and staff organised everything from dress-up days and high teas to raffles and fundraising activities, with Ryman also contributing to the total.
Ryman Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Naomi James praised everyone involved.
“Our residents and teams get behind causes that matter to them year after year, and the support for Dementia Australia has been outstanding,” she said.
“More than $130,000 is a fantastic result, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone who has contributed.”
Learning while helping others
The partnership also gave residents and their families opportunities to learn more about dementia through educational sessions, village visits and conversations with Dementia Australia representatives.
Dementia Australia Executive Director Services, Engagement & Research Dr Kaele Stokes said the fundraising events had helped create new connections between residents.
Dementia Advocates and Dementia Australia staff shared their knowledge and experiences at high teas, fundraising events and informal learning sessions.
“We have also been touched by the generosity of residents across Ryman’s villages,” Dr Stokes said.
The money will help Dementia Australia continue providing information, education and support to people living with dementia, their families and carers.
A tradition of giving back
Ryman Healthcare has been running its charity partnership programme since 1999.
Each year, residents and team members help choose a charity to support, before organising fundraising activities throughout their villages.
Together, Ryman residents and staff have now helped raise more than $6.5 million for charities across Australia and New Zealand.
Retirement village residents raise $130,000 for Australian Charity