By Maddison Howell
A GENEROUS donation of $1,200 from Eureka Villages residents is set to support the vital work of GV Hospice, with the contribution reflecting the compassion and community spirit of those who call the village home.
The money was collected through Eureka Villages’ Social Club activities over the past couple of years, including raffles and the container deposit scheme.
Village Manager Jodie Garner said residents decided it was time to put some of their accumulated funds towards a worthy cause.
“Rather than have it sit there, we had a vote and decided to donate some of it to GV Hospice,” Ms Garner said.
For resident Bobbie Dohnt, the decision to support the hospice was particularly close to home.
“When my wife was ill and we lived 20kms out of town, the nurses came every day to see that she was okay and that I was okay as her carer,” Mr Dohnt said.
“My reason for wanting to support them was personal.”
Resident Sheryl Wardel said supporting the service was important, particularly as residents recognised they or their loved ones may one day need its care.
“As we’re getting older, this is a service we could possibly need, so I think it’s important to support it best we can,” she said.
Mr Dohnt echoed that sentiment, saying the hospice provided an invaluable service that everyone could potentially rely on.
Village life is also about looking after one another, with Ms Garner highlighting the importance of creating connections and preventing social isolation among residents.
“A lot of people can be isolated, so we try our best to bring everyone together, even just for some social interaction and getting them to feel connected,” she said.
Ms Garner said she was extremely proud of the donation, while resident Joy Klinberg said it was rewarding to know they could help others.
“I think we feel proud that we’re able to do something and help someone else,” Ms Klinberg said.
“Everyone should do whatever they can, it doesn’t matter how much it is, every little bit helps.”
