Bathurst MP Paul Toole made an outing to Fatima Hall on Friday, August 11, to give the volunteers of Gorrie Ban a big helping hand.
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The local minister passed over a cheque of $1000.
Mr Toole approached the Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward about providing some extra financial support to Gorrie Ban, after Gorrie Ban co-ordinator Christine Nott contacted him.
“I spoke to the minister and she wanted to show support for what they are doing in the community. She gave a $1000 grant to be used by this fantastic group,” Mr Toole said.
Gorrie Ban is a volunteer-run service that has provided weekly social events and outings for Lithgow’s elderly for over twenty years.
Every Monday Gorrie Ban puts on lunch and entertainment at Fatima Hall for about thirty people.
“Paul, you really don’t know how much pressure this takes off,” volunteer coordinator Christine Nott said, receiving the cheque.
The money will go towards the next bus trip Gorrie Ban takes together. The group organises two excursions outside of Lithgow for their clients every year.
“The last bus trip was to Bilpin. The next bus trip is to the Two Fat Ladies cafe in Orange. We have fun and play up on the bus,” Mrs Nott said.
“We have two every year that we always have to budget for.”
Ms Nott said Gorrie Ban provides residents with the opportunity to get out of the house and socialise.
“Some live alone, some of them have good family support, some do not.”
Mr Toole said that of all the localities in his electorate Lithgow takes particular care of its elders.
“Lithgow does it so well. There are so many groups here caring for people, giving a hand and helping others.”
Gorrie Ban is currently looking for more clients to participate in activities and weekly lunches. Call 6352 1466 to get involved.