Residents at Akooramak Home for the Aged in Warwick will continue to receive the highest standard of care, with the facility having been awarded a $10,000 Grassroots Community Grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
The 100-bed facility now has a new bedpan washer and sanitiser, with the grant covering the funding gap.
Chief Executive Officer Darryl Chapman said this was an essential piece of equipment which they were grateful to be able to replace.
“The time was right to replace our old machine, and if it wasn’t for this grant, we would still be looking for ways to fund this purchase,” Mr Chapman said.
“The washer fits perfectly in our pan room and will help our staff to continue providing the highest level of care to our residents by maintaining good infection control practices.”
Cunningham Lodge Secretary Doug Cutmore said the Warwick Freemasons had nominated the home for the grant.
“Supporting Akooramak, is one way that we can help to look after the elderly in our community,” Doug said.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said his organisation was pleased to provide this extra assistance.
“We are appreciative of the Warwick Freemasons for identifying this need in their community and nominating the organisation for the grant,” Gary said.
“This year we received a greater number of applications with a large geographical spread, particularly in regional Queensland. Fifteen charities shared in almost $120,000 as part this year’s Community Grants round.
“Although the grant round was oversubscribed, we wanted to make sure we maximised our support at a time the community needed it the most. Among the causes we’ve been able to support are youth at risk, our ageing population, men’s mental and physical health, and women’s financial and physical security.”
The grant was announced amid the Freemason charity providing over $700,000 in emergency support and Grassroots Community Grants in the wake of COVID-19.
Photo: President Warwick Benevolent Society Inc Don Stewart, Akooramak Home for the Aged Chief Executive Officer Darryl Chapman alongside Cunningham Freemasons Lodge representatives Bob Lindenberg and Doug Cutmore OAM.
