Charlie’s Gift values all those within its community and believes we all have what it takes to be the heroes in someone else’s story. We have seen first-hand that small gestures and a little generosity can be the difference between our aged experiencing optimal or poor wellbeing and end of life experiences. Supporting Charlie’s Gift in any capacity means that you too become the heroes in someone else’s story.

One of the fabulous things about being part of Charlie’s Gift is volunteering and providing small gestures to bring moments of joy and connection to our aged. Ever since I was little, I saw something awe provoking in the elderly. Looking in their eyes told me much. Many of the elderly in my street were my best friends and to this day I think of them with fondness and gratitude.

Charlie’s Gift values lie within the importance of the “gift of giving” to enable wellbeing and connection for all our aged. However, we also know that the “gift” goes both ways and we receive just as much as we give.

Despite limited funding and the impact of the Corona Virus we have managed to bring a little joy to many aged within our community. These are some of our stories.

We welcome anyone of any age to become a Charlie’s Gifter. Together we truly will make a difference

Sally’s mobility/balance was deteriorating and she was prescribed a pair of practical but in her words “hideous shoes” with orthotics. Sally has loved shoes all her life and hated that she had to wear dowdy “old ladies” shoes to provide mobility support. A Charlie’s Gifter suggested she visit a local shoe store known for both comfort and fashionable shoes, with many catering to orthotics. The same volunteer suggested they make a “girl’s day” afternoon out of it and go somewhere new for lunch and a browse around. Sally was delighted and a date was confirmed for the following week.

The Charlie’s Gifter arrived to Sally fully decked out in her favourite outfit. She looked radiant and excited.

After lunch and a little meander through the mall, Sally was taken to the shoe shop. Because time was not an issue, Sally could browse around and pick out all the shoes she wanted to try on.

The Charlie’s Gifter found Sally a comfortable seat and assisted Sally to try on many, many pairs of shoes. Some fitted. Some didn’t. Some Sally tried on just for a laugh. She was pleased to see many catered to her orthotics. She modelled them up and down the store. She was overjoyed. So overjoyed in fact she ended up purchasing 3 pairs of lovely shoes before leaving the store.

Sally didn’t know this particular shoe store existed and even if she did, she would not have been able to get there independently.

On returning home, Sally stated that “it had been a long time since she had a ‘girl’s day out’ and she was very grateful and would not forget it”.

This is what Charlie’s Gift is all about – befriending our aged, listening to their wants and needs and finding ways to provide these wants and needs in a manner that creates joy and self-value.

Don’t forget – you can be a Charlie’s Gifter too and spread the joy.

Like most organisations, Covid19 put a halt to our plans for 2020. It is hard to arrange promotion and fundraisers or to partner with small businesses when self-isolation is the new norm.

On a positive note COVID19 has shown many what Charlie’s Gift has always known;

• we are all connected
• what affects one, affects many
• to help all people in need it takes a village and community “togetherness”

The following are small ways Charlie’s Gift has been able to help.

Charlie’s Gift donated $1500 worth of “We Care” packages to our local hospitals. The hospital’s ED Nursing Manager would then hand them out to our aged who needed their spirits uplifted and/or would benefit from some “goodies” during lock down and isolation. Each bag was filled to the brim with the following products purchased from several of our local businesses:

In all, 40 packages were handed out to:

Charlie’s Gift really felt for our aged community locked down and isolated in residential care, not knowing when they would see family and friends. The Manager of Maroba Residential Care informed us that there were particular residents feeling low during the height of the lock down. To bring some brightness to their day Charlie’s Gift donated a box of flowers and personalised cards to those most in need of cheering up as well as a box of chocolates for staff and residents to enjoy.

Charlie’s Gift was touched by how many people took the time to reach out and thank us for their Care Packs.

Two woman particularly touched our hearts, we will call them Mary and Edna.

Ivy’s spirits improved greatly as did her health recovery. Our “Gifter” also had a great time, and learned about Newcastle’s history, how to brew the perfect cup of tea and how to knit like a pro.

A Charlie’s Gifter is the friend all our aged deserve.