Two years into the project and the Rotary Club of Lilydale is still having a profound impact on the lives of inpatients at Maroondah Hospital’s mental health ward.
Delivering items for patient gift bags, like notebooks, self-care items and clothes regularly has helped ensure those who find themselves needing mental health support, are welcomed with something just for them.
Nurse unit manager Clare said it can make all the difference in how someone feels, knowing people are willing to support them.
“People aren’t coming with a lot, so just a small gift at the start helps welcome people to the unit and start their healing journey,” she said.
“I think they just generally make people feel better about themselves… the donations are much more than the bags.”
Rotary, through its Donations in Kind warehouse and other donation partners, has been able to provide branded tracksuits and shoes, something Clare said meant an incredible amount to patients.
“For months on end, they gave us Bonds tracksuits, which the patients absolutely loved. So it was a really warm tracksuit and the label seemed to mean a lot as well.
“They’ve given us a whole lot of shoes as well, which were also well-known brands which helped us get people out on their group walk.
“Some people would come in without shoes, and it was difficult for us to take them out on the walk. We’ve got an Equally Well Framework, which is trying to include physical health into mental health as well, and obviously exercise the big part of that.
“So being able to give people a pair of shoes and then they could join a group walk really meant quite a bit to people.”
Joint project leader Barb Lawrence said the success and continuation of the project would not have been possible without the dedication of her joint leader Pam.
“The project is in its second year and now jointly led by Pam who is mainly responsible for the bi-monthly stocktake and ordering of supplies. Pam’s fantastic support has ensured this project has continued smoothly and successfully,” she said.
But like all donation-based projects, this Rotary initiative relies on the generosity of people in the community and other funding sources.
To help fundraise for this project, a raffle prize for a trip worth over $5000 to the Fijian Koro Sun Resort is up for grabs.
By purchasing raffle tickets, not only do people go in the draw to win a five-night holiday but support two causes.
From the total money raised, 50 per cent is donated to provide solar powered energy in Fijian schools through an organisation called It’s Time Foundation, with the other 50 per cent supporting RCL’s care pack program.
You can help to support the program by buying a Fijian holiday raffle ticket by visiting itstime.org/rc-lilydaleinc
The raffle will be drawn on 25 July.
Barb also wanted to particularly thank Community Bank Mt Evelyn, Rotary Club of Noble Park Dingley and Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale for their generous financial contributions to support the project in 2024-2025.
If you are a motivated local member of Yarra Ranges who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world email check out Rotary Club of Lilydale’s webpage at rotarylilydale.org.au or email them at rotaryclublilydale@gmail.com
