To coincide with National Volunteer Week May 21 – 27 Dementia Australia today joined the country in celebrating more than 6 million Australians who volunteer their time, energy and commitment to support various causes, organisations and charities.
This year’s theme, "Give a little. Change a Lot," is embodied by primary school student, Esther Worthington, who recently volunteered her time to hold a successful fundraiser for Dementia Australia to honour her Grandmother, Denise, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2007, and passed away four years ago at the age of 73.
Esther mobilised her friends, who also volunteered their time, to help bake cakes, cupcakes, muffins and chocolate crackles to sell at a cake stall in her front yard.
Thanks to community support, Esther raised an impressive $730 for Dementia Australia, and raised community awareness about the impact of dementia.
"It was incredible to have my local community come together for a good cause. It was also a really good feeling to do something to honour my Grandma and to help other people going through what my Grandma and my family went through," Esther said.
Dementia Australia CEO Ms Maree McCabe said the organisation was initially founded by volunteers who were driven to ensure that people living with dementia were supported to live the high quality of life that’s important to them, and have influenced the lives of thousands of people living with dementia
"Dementia Australia volunteers, like Esther, continue to make a positive impact on the lives of more than 425,000 people who are living with dementia. We are fortunate to have more than 1,100 volunteers who assist us in raising community awareness and funds, help us run fundraising events, play key roles in advocacy on state and national committees and support us in a number of other ways," she said.
"We are extremely grateful for the generosity and commitment of our volunteers who have shown great compassion and respect to the people we serve. Our volunteers are an integral part of the Dementia Australia family and our sincere thanks to them all."
Dementia Australia runs volunteer education programs to help volunteers better understand dementia and offer ideas for improving quality of life for people living with dementia.
Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 425,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach more than 1.1 million by 2056. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer’s Australia. Dementia Australia’s services are supported by the Australian Government.
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines. ---
