Anam Cara House Giving Day returns with double the energy

The Anam Cara House Geelong is hoping to double the amount of guest beds at its Waurn Ponds location at the conclusion of this year’s Giving Day appeal.

Anam Cara House, located on Nicol Drive South next to Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus, is hosting its second Giving Day initiative in three years today (Tuesday, June 25) from 8am to 8pm, with the facility confirming it will quadruple all donations through its matching donors.

Deputy chair Rob Threlfall stated the House has received a large amount of Giving Day enquiries, an encouraging sign donations will reach this year’s $750,000 target.

“The demand is most definitely there,” Mr Threlfall said.

“With our six bedrooms that have been opened since February, we’ve been at 81 per cent occupancy.

“Demand is on the increase and all the statistics from Palliative Care Australia and within the industry outline demand is and will continue to increase in palliative care.”

Anam Cara House first opened its overnight palliative care services in February this year.

It currently has 12 palliative care bedrooms available in the facility, with six beds currently open for guests.

If Anam Cara House can attain its fundraising goal, the House will immediately fund the opening of the additional six guest bedrooms and “Double the Care”, which is this year’s theme for Giving Day.

Resident Liz Dwyer’s husband Max was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour 10 weeks ago and has been in Anam Cara House’s care for the past two weeks and says the hospital is unique in its own special way.

“It’s very quiet and he has everything he needs – the meals, the company, but also the really important person-centred care, especially Bharathy (clinical director). She just zones in and knows exactly where people are at,” Ms Dwyer said.

“I think it’s so important for me, and Max’s family and my family, to know that Max is going to pass away in the very best of care in beautiful surroundings.

“I can’t think of anything better, other being home, which isn’t possible. So I’m just very grateful that Anam Cara exists, and I hope that people in Geelong become very aware because I would recommend it to any family.”

Those interested in helping the Anam Cara House achieve its fundraising goal are invited to head to give.achg.org.au and learn more about the House’s services before donating.

Anam Cara House’s inaugural Giving Day in 2022 raised $1.3 million.

Donations between the 12-hour window can be made online or in person at 4 Nicol Drive South, Waurn Ponds.