Fronditha Care’s new 15-seater bus for the residents of the St Albans residential aged care facility has been officially blessed and unveiled to the community.
Father George Frangos, of The Dormition Our Lady Greek Orthodox Church in North Altona blessed the new bus at a special unveiling the major donors that contributed towards the purchase of the bus, on Friday 26 July 2019.
At a cost of more than $154,000, the bus was purchased thanks to the generous donations of the community over the past year.
A Christmas Fundraising Appeal in December saw more than $26,000 donated by the community, while the St Albans Auxiliary raised more than $21,500 at their Fashion Show fundraiser in January.
President Faye Spiteri said the bus has been a labour of love from the community.
“Thanks to your generosity, our residents have been able to travel further, safer, more frequently and in a more comfortable setting” she said. Recently in May the residents were able to realise a year long dream to travel to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, a full 110kms away from their St Albans home.
This was only possible thanks to the features of the new bus that ensured a safe and comfortable ride for the elderly, including those in wheelchairs. Major donors for the bus were able to take a closer look at the new vehicle and see the interior themselves, before tucking into some hand made Greek treats from the chef of the THALPORI facility.
Numerous staff members of THALPORI, including the Manager of Residential Care, Sue Donaldson and the Lifestyle and Activity team have obtained their bus licenses to keep bus outings regular and frequent.
For the residents, the outings provide an invaluable chance to stay connected to their community, stay engaged and enjoy new experiences, and give them variety in their activity program.
For more information on Fronditha Care, please visit frondithacare.org.au or call 03 9552 4100.
For more information on this story, please contact Zoe Angeli, Executive Manager of Public Affairs on 03 9552 4102 or email
zoe.angeli@fronditha.org
