OPTUS GRANT PROVIDES BREATH OF FRESH AIR AT THE INALA DAY RESPITE CENTRE

The Inala Day Respite Centre will celebrate its ‘Happy Saturday Respite’ program this Saturday 4 May, thanks to $7,000 in funding from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program.

The Optus grant will be used to host 13 recreational excursions for both elderly and younger members to boost their social activity, while also giving their carers a chance to relax and recharge with further outings.

The Inala Day Respite Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that organises a variety of activities for its 130-strong members, designed to reduce feelings of social isolation. The ‘Happy Saturday Respite’ program, funded with a grant from Optus, involves taking members out for a series of fun activities, such as ten pin bowling, cinema outings and barbeques in the park. As well as offering members a chance to enjoy themselves and develop friendships within their community, the program also organises outings to afford carers a break from what is often 24 hours-a-day care.

Kristine Jones, Coordinator at the Inala Day Respite Centre, said, “We are constantly receiving referrals from doctors and social workers that carers are in critical need of a break from their role. The ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program means we are able to offer vital support to carers, while keeping members socially and actively engaged.”

Helen Maisano, Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility at Optus said, “The Inala Day Respite Centre does impressive work in keeping their elderly members feeling lively and Optus is delighted to support the Happy Saturday Respite. It’s great the carers are also rewarded with a bit of time off from their busy schedules, they really deserve it.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help build social inclusion in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Kristine Jones, carers and members will be at the Inala Day Respite Centre this Saturday to showcase the positive impact of the program.

MEDIA EVENT:
WHEN: Saturday 4th May, 10-11am
WHERE: Inala Day Respite Centre, 16 Lorikeet Street, Inala, QLD
WHY: A chance to see the positive impact of the centre’s ‘Happy Saturday Respite’ program
ATTENDING: Kristine Jones, Coordinator at the Inala Day Respite Centre, carers and members and Angela Nutt from Optus

About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants

Media contact:
Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505