A generous donation will provide vital support for dementia patients and carers in the region. Pictured are Mick Simpson, Allan Weeks and John Veenstra.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
A $5000 donation has been presented to Kyabram’s Don’t Demention It group, providing vital funds to support those with dementia and their carers in the region.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Kyabram RV and Country Music Festival committee members Allan Weeks and John Veenstra handed the cheque to the group’s founder Mick Simpson on Thursday, July 31.
Thanks to the festival’s success, the committee has donated profits to Kyabram District Health Service and other support groups in the past.
Mr Weeks, whose wife is living with dementia at Sheridan Aged Care, said the committee wanted the group to receive the money this year.
The donation was presented to a grateful Mr Simpson to applause from the group at its monthly meeting at the Kyabram Community and Learning Centre.
Mick Simpson embraces John Veenstra after the donation’s presentation.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Mr Simpson spoke about the group’s short history and the meaningful difference it had made in the lives of people affected by dementia in the region.
“It’s people helping people: that’s what it’s all about. This (donation) is going to go a long way,” Mr Simpson said.
“There’s a lot of brick walls, a lot of head bashing and a lot of work behind the scenes.”
The group was established about three years ago and has a growing attendance, with members from Nagambie, Rushworth, Echuca and Tongala, among other towns.
It offers a supportive environment for those with dementia and their loved ones to meet, talk and break down the stigma associated with the condition.
“You take us as you find us, and we take you as we find you,” Mr Simpson said.
“We cover everything from dementia, right through to mental health and aged care. And without the team behind us, we couldn’t do it.”
KCLC executive support to chief executive Claire Perrella sincerely thanked Mr Weeks and Mr Veenstra for the donation on behalf of the group.
Mick Simpson, Allan Weeks, John Veenstra and Claire Perrella.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The group meets at 1pm on the last Thursday of each month at KCLC, with more information available by phoning 5852 0000.
This year’s Kyabram RV and Country Music Festival begins on Tuesday, November 4, and runs until Sunday, November 9.
Mr Weeks encouraged the community to bring a chair and attend the free ‘walk-up’ event on Saturday, November 8, where performers play from noon into the evening.
11°C