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For Charities, particularly those without Government Funding, financial support from members of the community is an integral part of their ability to continue the important work they do. One of the best ways to connect with potential supporters and simultaneously raise awareness of their cause is through events. Whether it’s a Fundraising Gala Ball, Luncheon, High Tea or a Community Social event at the Driving Range, at Victoria Park we’re so delighted to be able to welcome back and support these organisations as they resume their calendar of events after a forced hiatus during the Pandemic.
In June, Victoria Park was host to the incredible team from The Carers Foundation for their annual WHO CARES? Luncheon. With Champagne on arrival, a two course lunch and three hour beverage package, the event was held in our Marquee with stunning views over the parklands and Brisbane City skyline. Ronnie Benbow, the Founding Director of The Carers Foundation and her amazing team organised a fantastic afternoon. MC’d by Margaux Parker from Triple M, the event included a fashion show by Sarah Hutson of SFH Designs, entertainment by Naomi Price of the Little Red Company and Lisa Lockland-Bell of Performance Studios, a WHO CARES? panel with guests including Patron Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner, Jackie Lewis and Libby Trickett OAM and of course raffles!
Recently, we caught up with Ronnie to learn more about her incredible organisation and the importance of fundraising events to the continuation of their program of support for carers. It’s no secret that the pandemic has changed our lifestyles and forced most of us to experience isolation in a real way for the first time. But for many people, isolation is something they are faced with every day, giving up so much to care for their loved ones. This is something that Ronnie, recognised early on in her career as a Nurse and sparked a burning passion to create a foundation that “cares for carers”, most of whom are often experiencing extreme stress, exhaustion and loneliness. Ronnie explained to us that “it’s a documented fact that 30% of carers pass away before the person they’re caring for”, a very concerning statistic indeed.
“As a young nurse I used to work in the community and I used to see all the carers that were visiting the hospital with their loved ones for various appointments, procedures and treatments. Often the carers were in worse condition than the person they were caring for”, Ronnie recalled.
Besides many years of being a nurse and working in the community, Ronnie has also personally cared for her husband, Michael, after a near fatal accident left him paralysed from the neck down, one of her four sons who has a debilitating medical condition and her elderly parents. It was during this time, in 2000, that Ronnie and Michael decided to privately fund and host carer retreats and workshops. After seeing the impact that these had, the pair were inspired to formally establish and incorporate The Carers Foundation as a Charity in 2015.
Throughout the years Ronnie and Michael, have met and supported carers from all walks of life including children, who often are unable to find time for friends, hobbies and all the things that bring the rest of us joy, due to dutifully caring for their loved ones. These unsung heroes as Ronnie calls them, are in dire need of some TLC themselves, which is where The Carers Foundation comes in!
“We connect with carers to show that there are people out there that care about them and that there are resources available for them to be able connect with others so that they’re not alone. I think that’s the biggest thing with anyone struggling with mental health, is just knowing people are there for you and knowing that somebody else is experiencing it and understands on a deeper level”.
With regular retreats, workshops, unique experiences and even just a comforting phone call with Ronnie and her team, all part of The Carers Foundation’s program, Ronnie has found their events at Victoria Park to be incredibly important to raise funds to continue their program.
“The events team at Victoria Park are nothing short of amazing and extremely professional. They are very patient and tolerant to ongoing changes, and nothing is any trouble. It is a pleasure to work with the team and we look forward to hosting many more events here”.
–Ronnie Benbow, Founding Director, The Carers Foundation
Support
If you’d like to get involved, you can support the Carers Foundation in many ways;
Individuals can help by volunteering your time, expertise, professional advice on retreats or fundraising events. Hosting your own ‘party for a purpose’ events or by donating products or money – any small amount helps, even $5 per month with regular giving.
Organisations can support by becoming partners, or sponsors for events or wellness programs, and staff regular giving programs.
All information is at www.thecarersfoundation.org
View our packages and enquire today to host your next Charity event at Victoria Park
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