We hope to raise $562,000 to furnish and equip our $39.6M Camperdown Residential Aged Care facility, set to open mid next year. Donations will be used to help fund identified needs including the equipping and furnishing of 36 residents’ bedrooms, the establishment of kitchen and therapy gardens, the purchase of a commercial BBQ and outdoor furniture, the decking-out of a hair and nail salon, and the equipping of an indoor gym.
The Midfield Group donation will finance a $40,000 purpose-built aged care outdoor exercise circuit, and furnish and equip four of the 36 bedrooms, including two specifically designed for people with special-purpose needs.
Meantime a $147,000 bequest will fund, as was the wish of Camperdown stalwart, the late Pam Redgewell, the purchase of a new $100,000 residents’ bus, and the furnishing and equipping of another four bedrooms. The auction proceeds of the current Merindah Lodge bus, successfully fundraised for in 2016, will also be put towards the appeal.
SWH CEO Craig Fraser says the support of our local communities is critical to this appeal. ‘We’re calling on all businesses, clubs, groups, workplaces, schools, churches, families and individuals to help us raise the money we need to equip and furnish this stunning facility, inside and out,’ he says.
‘We know this is a really big ask but this is our one chance to make this new residential facility for some of our most vulnerable community members the very best it can be.’
Being built alongside SWH’s Camperdown Hospital, our new Camperdown Residential Aged Care facility will replace the existing 48-year-old Merindah Lodge, officially opened in 1976.
The new facility has 36 bedrooms with ensuites (including special purpose, disability compliant, and rooms for couples) grouped in small households to create home-like environments. Incorporating best practice, evidence-based aged care design underpinned by dementia-friendly principles, there are multiple resident and family living and dining spaces including discreet quiet indoor, outdoor and activity-dedicated areas.
Inside there’s a community café, a gym, a reflection space, and a hair and nail salon. Outside, extensive landscaping will promote physical and mental wellbeing and encourage social interaction via a kitchen garden, The Midfield Group-financed purpose-built aged care persons’ exercise circuit and multiple spaces for families and friends to come together. The architecture maximises stunning views towards the lakes and craters Camperdown is so known for.
THE PHOTO: Utter delight as Merindah Lodge residents, SWH staff and Midfield Group managing director Colin McKenna and Janice McKenna (centre back) celebrate the news that our just-launched appeal is off to a magnificent start.
TO DONATE: You can mail or drop off your donation to our Camperdown Hospital, make a gift online by going to the DONATE NOW button at the top of this page and/or call Appeal Manager Suzan Morey on 5564 4100 to chat further. Donations above $2 are tax deductible.