Hesse to get nature savvy for fundraiser

HESSE Rural Health will next month present ‘Open Gardens of Winchelsea’, a fundraiser to assist the organisation with purchasing a new Toyota Coaster car to transport clients to their large range of social support activities.

On Sunday, November 13, the Open Gardens of Winchelsea fundraiser will take place across five gardens around the town including Murdeduke, Narwee, Chittering, Coombe Cottage and Calluna Gardens, with all entry fees being donated to the overall cause.

After 25 years of loyal service and fantastic trips for Social Support and Residential Aged Care clients, Hesse Rural Health have recently had to retire their 19-seater Toyota Coaster bus.

The bus has been a vital measure in getting clients around to social activities and support programs for the last 25 years including excursions, the Bus to Hub program and social meals.

 

The Coaster has also been utilised for the 26 clients of Beeac Men’s Social Group, providing them with many wonderful outings to varied locations across the region.

Hesse Rural Health have said it is imperative for the new Toyota Coaster vehicle to seat at least 22 people and have disability access, including an accessible lift conversion.

The original ‘Coaster’ was purchased through community fundraising initiatives 25 years ago and Hesse Rural Health hope to repeat this feat in 2022.

“The goal is to raise $200,000 which will get us the vehicle with the disabled lift,” Hesse Rural Health Communications and Community Partnerships Officer, Jess Culhane said.

“It’s incredibly important, a lot of our social services rely on this bus, we run lots of activities for our residents.

“We have groups in Beeac as well as Winchelsea, and we are their main source of getting out and about.

“In terms of that social connection, particularly post covid, it’s so vital to have the bus resource available for them.”

 

Mrs Culhane said that the new bus is the best possible option on the market and will provide safety, comfort and also accessibility for all.

“We are about caring for rural communities and part of that care is both our social support but also making sure they do so in comfort and with ease,” Culhane said.

“It would mean so much to us and the residents at Hesse Rural Health.”

Hesse Rural Health invite the greater Surf Coast and surrounding community to get involved with helping to fund the cause.

All five gardens will be open from 10am – 4pm on Sunday 13th November 2022.

Admission to the fundraising event is $40 for an all-day garden pass or $10 for one garden.

Enquiries regarding donations can be made with Jessica Culhane, Hesse’s Communications and Community Partnerships Officer on 03 5327 1200 or via email at [email protected].

Donations can be done through the Hesse Rural Health website or via direct deposit at:

Account Name: Hesse Rural Health BSB Number: 633 000

Account Number: 1279 86677 Reference: [your name] + donation.