O’Keefe funds back Dementia Alliance

A CHEQUE for seven-thousand dollars raised at the 2023 O’Keefe Challenge was presented to the Heathcote Dementia Alliance last week.

The challenge is a not-for-profit annual walk, run or ride event supporting health and well-being in the community.

The event is backed by O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon and managed by a group of volunteers.

“All profits from the five kilometre Walk against Dementia go towards supporting HDA’s innovative projects, supporting those living with dementia and providing a technology hub supporting our community,” said volunteer Kerstin Brauns.

HDA founder and president Sandra Slatter thanked O’Keefe participants and organisers for the donation.

“The community was disappointed the dementia village did not go ahead as we were at HAD,” she said.

“However, we are a resilient community and although we do not have a village, HDA have developed an original solution to avoid admission to residential aged care.

“Our prototype, Costerfield House, was recently applauded in the Victorian Parliament as a world first innovation.

“Costerfield House will become a living lab for the next 12 months where further research and evaluation will be undertaken before it is used for respite accommodation for people living with dementia and their carers.

“Going forward we are also working on a cluster community concept of four, six or eight smart care villas arranged in a group supported by local healthcare providers.”

The O’Keefe Challenge will again be supporting HDA for the 2024 event which is scheduled for 21 April at the Barrack Reserve.

“There will be a host of events including a full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre race, team events and plenty for the kids to do with the superhero dash,” Ms Braun said.

“The event will be held on the same day as the Heathcoe Community Games, organised by the community house with lots of family activities.

“Mark your calendars now and start training. For more information and registrations, visit our website theokeefe.com.au.”