A HEALTHY dose of Christmas spirit and bucket loads of generosity came together this month when more than 400 guests from seven Brightwater Care Group facilities joined forces in festive celebration.
The celebrations included high tea and a street-festival inspired outdoor Carnivale for the guests from Belmont, Carlisle, East Victoria Park and Redcliffe.
This year’s not-for-profit celebration marked the care provider’s first group-wide Christmas party.
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READ NOWBrightwater chief executive Penny Flett said the event was a wonderful opportunity to give residents a truly memorable experience.
“Putting on an event that any of our residents could attend meant putting a huge number of personalised plans in place, such as arranging additional time with carers, tailoring menus to suit different dietary needs and of course arranging transport from all corners of the metropolitan area,” she said.
Buses, taxis, mini buses and even a limousine shuttled guests between the different locations to attend the Christmas Carnivale.
Dr Flett said though the project was an ambitious one, the passion and determination of those who co-ordinated the event ensured guests felt they were a part of the celebrations.
“There were certainly some unique challenges to overcome… however, it was all worth it when we saw how much joy it brought both our clients, their carers and support staff.”
The event was hosted at South Perth Yacht Club with guests ranging in age from 18 to 95.
The day cost more than $60,000 and was funded entirely by donations from Australian Reliance and three other individual philanthropists.
“A large number of the residents who attended the party don’t move off site very often, if at all,” Dr Flett said.
“So it was a real treat to get out and about, particularly to a location near the water, and celebrate in style.”