Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary is continuing to provide equipment for people with life-limiting illness despite fundraisers being cancelled.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Auxiliary president Lea Crammond said hospice and palliative care don't receive much funding from the government compared to other health services.
"We couldn't host our annual Mother's Day fundraising lunch due to COVID-19 restrictions, so we are very grateful for East Horsham Rotary Club's donation," Mrs Crammond said.
"Medical equipment is expensive, and we raise funds to provide equipment that is needed for those with life-limiting illness, so they can stay in their home longer and more comfortably.
"Portable oxygen concentrators can be about $6500 ... imagine if you were struggling to breathe but didn't have the money to purchase one."
Read more:
The auxiliary funds equipment like syringe drivers, gel mattresses, shower chairs, bariatric chairs and oxygen concentrators.
"The organisation initially started with a group of ladies in a lounge room. They would do fundraisers at cake stalls to help purchase the equipment," Mrs Crammond said.
"We are currently refurbishing a room in the Oxley ward for patients at Wimmera Health Care Group."
Mrs Crammond said the auxiliary have a leasing program which allows them to hire exactly what the patient needs.
"The leasing program has been very helpful during the pandemic," she said.
"We cover an area of 37,000kms and a population of over 40,000 people - by having a leasing program we can provide equipment to more people."
The auxiliary has also provided resources to regional libraries including books to help people deal with grief and death.
"We have searched out books that cover all age groups to help grieving family members and friends," Mrs Crammond said.
"It is especially helpful for the kids who don't know how to cope with death."
The auxiliary has been nominated for a Keep Victoria Beautiful 2020 Tidy Towns Award for the Social Well-Being category.
"I was asked to send our information through to Tidy Towns but I had no idea that we were applying for any type of award," Mrs Crammond said.
"The service we do is quite outstanding and I feel privileged to belong to this group."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.
