This is an image of Charlie during his last Christmas in 2015.
I don’t know if you can make out the words on his T-Shirt but they say “Good Vibe”. Well, that sums Charlie up perfectly.
Charlie had the gift of knowing what people needed, especially his older community, and then ensuring that they got it. This was his gift – the ‘gift of giving’ friendship and companionship to the aged in his community.
During his wake in March 2016, one of Charlie’s neighbours summed up what Charlie gave to his community beautifully. She said…
“There seems to be much less laughter and light in the community without Charlie, I don’t know how we will all manage without him. Charlie gave so much of himself and would never accept praise or payment. He will be missed in more ways than one…”
Charlie taught us that it is often the small and practical gestures, which we can all give, that make the most impact on the wellbeing and self-worth of our aged.
Gestures such as:
- friendship
- companionship
- offering to do what his neighbours could no longer do
- arranging a “whip around” for those financially struggling
- giving comfort and company to those in hospital or hospice
Charlie showed us of the importance of ‘a compassionate community’ providing friendship and companionship to those who are alone and at risk of isolation and hardship.
That is why we are proud to call our Not For Profit, “Charlie’s Gift, the gift of giving”.
Because, we too, believe in a compassionate community and aim to provide companionship and support to our aged community, reduce social isolation and prevent loneliness and hardship.
