I survived my second Bunnings BBQ on Sunday. While it is a joy for me to help with the fundraising for Fitzgerald Aged Care, I cannot express enough my admiration and appreciation for the wonderful volunteers and helpers who gave so generously of their time and resources this weekend. Each person involved gave their time because the residents at Fitzgerald Aged Care are important to them.
There were two fundraising events on the weekend – A craft stall at the St. Monica’s Fete and a Bunnings BBQ at McGraths Hill. Those helping at each of these events were either volunteers who come to Fitzgerald, our residents’ family members, staff and some of their family and members of our Board. Both these activities were organised through our Fundraising Committee.
On Saturday, $613 was raised at the Fete. The volunteers involved were Melinda Clarke, Janelle Kenny, Judith Ghantous and Sharyn Kelly. They sold many wonderful handmade items prepared by volunteers and some of our residents. All of these were beautiful things made with such love and care.
We are not sure of the total amount raised at the Bunnings BBQ but it will be significant – 67 kgs of sausages and 18 loaves of bread tell us that. The BBQ was coordinated by Judy Nott and her husband Jeff. Both are volunteers who work tirelessly in many roles – Judy is also a member of the Fundraising Committee and Jeff also runs the men’s group. There were many people rostered throughout the day including volunteers and Board members. Some of our staff, Catherine and Peta, came from night shift to help set up very early on Sunday. And of course, Shelley, Anna and Lauren were prominent presences throughout the day. Lauren’s partner Andy was our cashier. Her Mum, Janelle Kenny, who does crafts and scrapbooking with the residents, and her stepdad David Kenny were there for the day too. Three students from Bede Polding, Maddy, Olivia and Jessica who are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program were simply wonderful during the day.
The exceptional camaraderie I witnessed speaks volumes for the dedication, commitment and belief in Fitzgerald shared by so many people. Judy, in particular, was supremely organised and there was no detail left to chance.
We also cannot thank Richmond Rotary enough or their support – in terms the set up and packing up (with a little bit of cooking thrown in) and their financial support for the supplies we used on the day. Those there on the day were Michael Skinner, Phil Tuckerman, Stephen Hile and Phil Bowan.
As Chair of the Fitzgerald Board I am proud of what we do for our residents and I am in awe of and grateful for the kindness, love and commitment of the people who volunteer, not just at these fundraising events, but in everything they do for us.