Residents of Gunther Village Gayndah have enjoyed more adventures and outings in their community since the arrival of their new HiAce minibus funded through a grant from the Eastern Star Foundation.
Gunther Village Chairman, John Zahl said that the $98,000 grant received last year from the Foundation allowed them to purchase and fit out a brand new HiAce minibus with wheelchair access.
“Without the grant, the minibus would not have been possible. We are so grateful to the Eastern Star Foundation who have helped us to ensure that our residents can still participate in their community and attend social activities and events,” said Mr Zahl.
Facility Manager Jenny Thompson said the minibus has brought many smiles, joy and a lot of happiness to Gunther Village residents, giving them the ability to venture out into the community more frequently since its arrival just before last Christmas.
“We have been to many different places including to Childers to visit another aged care home, attending Mass services in town, and going for scenic drives such as to Flying High Sanctuary in Apple Tree Creek, the races, and on a men’s trip to the R M Williams Centre in Eidsvold,” Ms Thompson.
“We have also been able to use the minibus to transport residents to appointments and to volunteering activities. We are all so appreciative as it really has helped to enhance the lives of our residents.”
Eastern Star Foundation Chair Elizabeth Watt said that members of the Eastern Star Foundation Board were able to personally see the impact their grant had made, with a recent visit to Gunther Village to check out the new wheels and tour the Village.
“The visit was a wonderful opportunity to see in person how the grant aligned with the Eastern Star Foundation’s vision to empower those who support our ageing communities,” said Ms Watt.
“We enjoyed lunch, a tour of the facility, and had the opportunity to inspect the minibus.”
“The Eastern Star Foundation is delighted to have been able to help enhance the lives of Gunther Village residents, allowing them to have more independence, practice choice, and participate in their community.”
Image: Board Members of the Eastern Star Foundation celebrate the new minibus with Board Members and staff of Gunther Village.
