Tanya Thompson, Member for Myall Lakes presented the 2024 Myall Lakes Seniors Concerts in Forster with a gold coin donation at the door to support Great Lakes Palliative Care Inc.
Mrs Thompson emphasised the significance of these concerts beyond entertainment, stating, “While we’re putting these fabulous Seniors Concerts on, we’re also raising money that will benefit local community groups.”
“Stephen Bromhead, my predecessor started our local seniors’ concerts 13 years ago and raised over $50,000 for local community groups during that time.”
“Great Lakes Palliative Care Support is a local not-for profit community-based charity. It is such a vital and valuable asset to the Myall Lakes that relies on donations to help them to continue to provide support where it is needed the most.”
During the two Forster concerts, attendees generously contributed $2024.00. Mrs Thompson personally contributed a further $1000.00 – bringing the total amount of funds raised to $3,024.00.
Deidre Stokes, president of Great Lakes Palliative Care Support said that they were grateful for the opportunity of receiving the gold coin donations and for Tanya’s contribution.
Mrs Stokes elaborated on the critical role of these funds, stating, “These funds will be used towards assisting the Palliative Care and Oncology patients of the Great Lakes and surrounding areas.
“In the past month of February alone, over $3500 was provided to support those experiencing financial difficulties.
“An increased need for food and petrol vouchers has been experienced since mid-last year and requests for assistance as risen considerably.
“Currently we are assisting with the costs of medications, dietary supplements, utility bills, rate payments, green slips and car repairs.
“As you can imagine a diagnosis of a life limiting illness and the required need sometimes for overwhelming treatment, often leave folk unable to work, or have to reduce work hours with the associated difficulties of paying the rent/mortgage and other of life’s necessities.”
“Our carers often are unable to keep working or have to reduce their hours due to the necessity of being at home caring for their loved one.
“Young families are often impacted with reduced family income. Those managing on benefits often find there is no extras left to cover the associated costs of getting to appointments, extra medications, supplements and just the day-to-day burden created by illness,” concluded Mrs Stokes.
