Elderly residents at Gayndah’s Gunther Village aged care have been empowered to maintain ties with their loved ones during the pandemic using iPad technology, thanks to a $6,211 Grassroots Community Grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
Gayndah Freemasons Lodge representative Bill Turner said that his Lodge nominated the 52-bed facility for the funding so it could join a host of aged care facilities that have taken to using this technology to allow their residents to keep in regular contact with their family and friends amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Gunther Village is now working in a ‘greenfield’ area with these eight new tablets, case stands and pens and everyone should be proud of their success,” Mr Turner said.
“It was important for us to help these residents to maintain social connections given that they are in the vulnerable category. The current pandemic has brought on many challenges, but these regular video calls will help to minimise loneliness and isolation and will enhance residents’ mental health as well.”
Gayndah Freemasons Lodge also nominated Gayndah Hospital for a Grassroots Community Grant of over $3,300 from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland for a leather sofa bed for the visitor’s room.
“We’re proud to have accelerated the initiatives that, at their core, were about improving people’s mental health and wellbeing when they are in a vulnerable state.”
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the Freemason charity was pleased to provide this extra assistance.
“We are appreciative of the Gayndah Freemasons for identifying these needs in their community and nominating the two organisations for the grant,” Gary said.
“This year, we received a greater number of applications with a large geographical spread, particularly in regional Queensland. Fifteen charities shared in almost $120,000 as part this year’s Community Grants round.
“Although the grant round was oversubscribed, we wanted to make sure we maximised our support at a time the community needed it the most. Among the causes we’ve been able to support are youth at risk, our ageing population, men’s mental and physical health, and women’s financial and physical security.”
The grant was announced amid the Freemason charity providing almost $750,000 in emergency support and Grassroots Community Grants in the wake of COVID-19.
