How Feros Care is giving back this GivingTuesday

As a charity, we’ve been working with communities for over 30 years, giving back in every way that we can.

And GivingTuesday is no different. An internationally-recognised day of giving which celebrates and enhances generosity of all kinds, it’s a day for people to come together, collaborate and continue the support needed to keep our communities happy
and healthy.

This is how our 2022 Giving Tuesday has been more special than ever before, thanks to an initiative inspired by our very own founder George Feros.

A heart-warming initiative

Our inaugural Founders Week was held throughout the organisation in early November, encouraging team members to bond and take part in fun activities throughout the week.

But it wasn’t all fun and games. Part of the initiative was Feros Giving – the opportunity for team members to nominate a client, resident or community group to receive a little bit of financial support.

It was a nod to our founder George Feros, who walked the streets of Byron Bay, armed with a wooden collection box and brass bell, raising money to fund an organisation where medical support and community spirit could be combined to support those in need.

While there is already financial support available for many of our clients and residents, sometimes it doesn’t quite stretch far enough to cover those things that really can change a life.

We received a total of 21 nominations from all over Australia and every case was so deserving. Could we help make a community garden more accessible? Help an elderly couple buy air conditioning? Support someone to learn Auslan so they could socialise
again?

An extra helping hand

Our Feros Giving Review Committee, made up of team members from across the organisation, had the tough job of deciding where to give our support.

One request we were thrilled to support this GivingTuesday was to help visually impaired residents in the Wommin Bay Residential Village experience the joy of books again, through the purchase of tablets, speakers and an Audible subscription.

Many of the residents cannot see enough to read a physical book, but they loved the idea of listening to audiobooks together. A social and cultural activity all in one.

We repurposed two tablets donated by Feros Care’s IT department, and generous financial donations from team members covered the cost of the speakers and the Audible subscription.

“It’s only with kindness like this that we can have such an impact on people’s lives,” shared Jo Winwood, Head of Fundraising at Feros Care. “We’re so proud that our teams come together to do everything they can to make
the lives of older Australians happier, healthier and better-connected.”

“It’s great! It’s an all-inclusive opportunity as a lot of residents have a vision impairment but can enjoy a book through our new speaker,” added Lisa Burnie, Lifestyle Coordinator at the village.

“We hope to start a book club!”

Other recipients of Feros Giving included Residents of the Byron Bay Residential Village, who received a new bingo set, and a community
group in the Illawarra, who will be receiving a gift card to go towards a Christmas lunch for lonely seniors.

Another beneficiary received a new fridge, as she lives in public housing with extensive chronic pain and has not been able to replace her old, rusty fridge.

“It’s like Christmas came early,” she said.

More opportunities to get involved

GivingTuesday is a special day, but our efforts as a charity extend to every other day of the year as well.

If you’d like to contribute to one of these worthwhile initiatives, please head to https://www.feroscare.com.au/howtohelp to make your own donation.

This Christmas, we’re also in our fourth year of our More the Merrier campaign, which encourages individuals, businesses and communities to extend festivities to those who may be alone.

Your donation this festive season will help make someone that is lonely during Christmas feel more connected and loved.

Any amount you are able to spare will go towards Christmas hampers of connection for seniors who would otherwise be lonely this Christmas. Each senior will receive:

• A beautiful hamper to open on Christmas Day – hand-delivered where possible with time for a chat;
• A handwritten card from a member of the community to show the recipient they care;
• A phone call on Christmas Day from a specially selected elf or fairy, ready to spread Christmas cheer.

We look forward to sharing more wonderful Feros Giving stories with you!