Over $272,000 in grant funding from the Eastern Star Foundation was recently announced to empower organisations that help enhance the quality of life for our ageing communities. The successful recipients of the foundation’s grants for 2022 include Gunther Village Gayndah, The Humour Foundation, Dementia Australia, and Australian War Widows Queensland.
Eastern Star Foundation Chairman, Jonathan Nantes, said that there were three new grant recipients this year and support was renewed for the Australian War Widows Queensland, all of which aligned well with the foundation’s purpose and would empower them to provide dignity, hope and independence for the aged.
“The initiatives we have chosen to support are evidence-based and are designed to help the aged remain independent, practice choice, participate in their community and have a support network,” said Jonathan.
The largest grant of $98,000 was awarded to Gunther Village Gayndah which will fund the purchase and fit-out of a brand new HiAce minibus with wheelchair access to ensure residents can continue to participate in social activities and be involved in their community.
Aged care residents who are socially isolated or suffering from dementia will benefit from the $54,200 grant awarded to The Humour Foundation which will allow them to extend their Laughter Care program into Queensland at three OzCare residential aged care communities. The Laughter Care program combines humour therapy and the arts to improve the quality of life for aged care residents.
People with early-stage dementia will be empowered to live with confidence and manage their diagnosis effectively with Dementia Australia receiving a grant for $70,000. The grant will help fund the development and pilot of a Wellness Enablement Program.
Elderly War Widows will continue to stay connected thanks to a renewed commitment of support from the Eastern Star Foundation and a $50,000 grant to help pay for the fuel and running costs of a minivan which was funded through a $100,000 grant from the foundation last year. The grant will also help cover the costs of running the annual Sub-branch Taxi Subsidy Program.
“We were pleased to recognise these successful grant recipients at the recent Order of the Eastern Star Grand Chapter of Queensland Installation and look forward to sharing with our stakeholders the difference that these grants will make,” said Jonathan.
Photo: Eastern Star Foundation 2022 grant recipients with Eastern Star Foundation Directors and Order of the Eastern Star Grand Office Bearers at the recent Grand Chapter of Queensland Installation.
