A huge wow, smiles and almost joyous disbelief greeted Wendy, John and I when we delivered gratitude 170 gift bags at “The Alfred” Mental Health Unit on Tuesday 1st December. These were packed full of beautiful products donated as a collaboration between our Rotary Club and St Stephens Anglican Church Gardenvale. Pinchapoo donated 200 stunning Sukin full size pamper packs to St Stephens. John’s Australia Post gift range were added. Pam procured some hard rock candy donations, MiGoals reflective journals completed the luxury. Bronwyn Maddock added so much joy with 3 dancing, singing and shining plush and very kitsch Christmas toys. Sunday previous Judy and Paul, Wendy, John, Bec, Kitty (almost), Bronwyn Mark and Bronwyn packed the goodies and added personalized gratitude Christmas cards over 3 hours. Wendy had made the job easy by pre-preparing the lolly bags. These were added to the bags. On delivery, stern and very professional health care workers and hurly burly security guards were joyously engaged in festivities and laughter. This was so humbling when we realise what a very tough year these professionals have had. They have been required to give psychiatric care wearing full PPE, have accepted COVID positive patients from other facilities with great welcome, have worked extra days cheerfully and with reduced staff numbers due to illness.
Bronwyn Stephens