Newsletter March 2014 Issue 82
ST PATRICK’S DAY
To be sure to be sure, we started the month with an Irish theme and Irish eyes were smiling as everyone joined in the spirit of things wearing green for the luck of the Irish. Our doggies dressed as Leprechauns and the volunteers wearing the shamrock added to the laughter while our much loved volunteer Frank led an Irish sing-a-long as the audience joined in enjoying the Irish jokes, a jolly time was had by all who attended.
DIVERSIONAL THERAPISTS
We are always delighted to see the effort the D/T’s put in to add to the themes on special occasions, many of the residents and clients also help, showing off their craft skills – it is great therapy for all concerned and they are to be applauded for the time, effort and love that goes in to the decorating of the room to make the residents and clients feel so special.
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
We receive so many lovely comments and notes from friends and families of the residents who have attended and enjoyed the themes. They look forward to our visits which makes the extra effort from our volunteers, especially through a long hot summer , well worthwhile.
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
Held on March 7th, Jenny Crewes of Somerville Funerals organised an interesting and most informative afternoon at Ozcare Labrador where Facility Manager Angela Aitken Smith welcomed everyone noting statistics on numbers of female residents and careers for women in Ozcare. Amy Henderson from Allambe Memoriel Park presented the “Eternal Flame” from Allambe to Angela Aitken Smith. In between speakers trivia quiz questions brought smiles and laughter from the audience. Dawn Crichlow brought the house down with her speech on women in council. Ms Lynne Walsh, President Rotary Club Broadwater Southport and past principal spoke on her career in the education department. Counciller Margaret Grummit spoke on matters of interest to senior constituents. Dorothy now 97 yrs a resident of Ozcare spoke on her life and history,.. What an inspiration. I was invited to speak on how our PFT group came into being and the work our volunteers do on the Gold Coast , Dawn’s comment was “ Volunteers Don’t Get Paid because They Are Priceless”
MARCH VISITS INCLUDED
Southport Nursing Centre – Galleon gardens Currumbin – Tri-Care Labrador – Tri-Care Mermaid Beach – Hillview House Ashmore – Tallai Glades Mudgeeraba – De Paul Villa Ashmore – Nerang Nursing Home – Villa Serena Robina
PFT TRAINING SESSIONS
Held at 4.30pm every Monday at James Overell Park, Brighton Parade Southport. The general format of each session is: Meet & Greet / Warm-up/Agility, followed by some obedience /trick training / wheelchair work, etiquette, tailored to PFT visits. There will be two trainers weekly, Yvonne and Paula, Yvonne & Laurel. We are most fortunate to have experienced instructors and I thank Paula and Laurel for their valuable time and expertise.
WORDS OF WISDOM
“Helping others….Helps you “
I would like to thank our Sponsors and welcome new Sponsors, the names of which are on the Pets for Therapy website: www.gallerygiselle.com/pettherapy.htm
Cheers from Yvonne (Coordinator) and Misty (the wonder dog)