THE Waratah Gadabouts, a fundraising group for Waratah Respite Service, has celebrated 21 years of supporting the not-for-profit organisation.
The anniversary was marked at the club’s July meeting at Sawtell RSL Club. where the three founding members who still attend regularly, cutting the birthday cake.
Waratah Respite Services has a long and proud history of delivering flexible respite options for older people, those living with dementia or other disabilities, and their carers.
Their unique service model offers centre-based social support groups and overnight respite in cottage style accommodation.
Throughout the years the service has impacted positively on the independence, wellbeing and socialisation of their clients and enabled them to avoid premature placement in residential aged care.
Organised fundraising for Waratah Respite Services began in March 2004 when a dedicated group of 12 ladies, formerly members of the VIEW Club, banded together and held their first meeting, calling themselves “Friends of Waratah” with the view to raise money for the organisation.
By November that year, membership had increased to 20 and the group’s name was changed to Waratah Gadabouts.
In 2012, membership had increased to 72 and was steady for years until COVID, when no meetings or lunch outings could be held and membership decreased to approximately 30.
“Since the inception of the Gadabouts, they have raised many thousands of dollars and donated to the Respite Centre for lots of extras… not covered by government funding,” committee member Maureen Jones told News Of The Area.
“Fundraising is only within the group itself; there’s no outside ticket selling.”
Items purchased include garden furniture, plants, garden ornaments, bedroom furniture, bedding, pictures, bus handrails, an automatic sprinkler system, and a new freezer.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at Sawtell RSL Club.
For information contact Jan* on 6653 2855, Annette* 0400 235 400 and Maureen* 0413 471 232.
By Andrea FERRARI
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