OLDER people who are long-term hospital patients who require ongoing rehabilitation and care through the Christmas and New year period, are among those receiving Christmas gifts from the community, this year.
Kenfrost Homes has donated thousands of dollars worth of gifts for patients in the Older Persons Evaluation Rehabilitation and Assessment Unit (OPERA), as well as children and patients coming into the Emergency Department, through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
As well, the housing construction company has donated $54,000 for equipment to be installed in Innisfail and Cairns hospitals.
In addition, they have provided special catering to support the Cairns Hospital’s Emergency Department which has been dealing with some tough situations due to road accidents.
Kenfrost Homes Marketing Cooordinator Alex Loughton said the business aimed to support multiple charities and organisations at this time of year.
“We’re delighted to assist the Foundation in a large capacity this Christmas by donating funds for crucial equipment but also spreading some cheer in difficult times with gifts for patients in OPERA, Paediatrics and also for those who find themselves in ED on Christmas Day,” Mr Loughton said.
“Through our business relationships, we were very aware of equipment needs in the hospital and were only too happy to assist. Cairns has been good to Kenfrost Homes and we understand the importance of supporting the hospital that takes care of our community.
“All businesses have faced big challenges this year, and those that have found a way to navigate through should be thankful of their position and talk with their teams about a level of sacrifice and giving back to the community in which they operate. A lot of our community find themselves fallen on hard times, especially at Christmas, and giving back in any way they can is great thing, and the right thing to do.”
Cairns Hospital OPERA Nurse Unit Manager Tracey Bancroft expressed her gratitude for the gifts.
“Sometimes people come to the OPERA ward with absolutely nothing, sometimes not even a decent change of clothes or toiletries, so these gifts will be beautiful for our patients,” Ms Bancroft said.
“As well, sometimes our patients have no family or no family living close by so our team becomes their family. It’s really special that the community thinks of our older patients at this time, and it will make their Christmas truly special,” Ms Bancroft said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan welcomed the corporate philanthropic support.
“We see it all year long, but particularly at Christmas when it’s a joyous time for many, but many people are suffering too. It’s great to support children in hospital but we’re delighted that the team from Kenfrost Homes wanted to support older people as well,” Mrs Hogan said.
Photo: Kenfrost Homes' Alex Loughton, Foundation CEO Gina Hogan and OPERA NUM Tracey Bancroft.
