Baptistcare Morrison Gardens seniors get crafty for music and pizza
A band of creative, crafty residents at Baptistcare Morrison Gardens Residential Care in Midland have been busy stocking a special Christmas store to raise funds for a jukebox and pizza oven.
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29 December 2020
News
| Home Care, Aged Care Homes
A band of creative, crafty residents at Baptistcare Morrison Gardens Residential Care in Midland have been busy stocking a special Christmas store to raise funds for a jukebox and pizza oven.
All the items for sale – from the candy Christmas trees and book angels, to the knitted Santas complete with reindeers – have been lovingly handmade during the year by Baptistcare Morrison Gardens residents at their weekly craft catch-ups.
Started three years ago, the craft sessions are an opportunity for residents to get together over a cuppa, whether they’re keen to get creative, or simply want to enjoy the chat and companionship.
Betty Pratt, who used to struggle to find time for her knitting and cross-stitch before moving to Baptistcare Morrison Gardens, said crafting made her feel happy and useful.
“It’s also a great way to spend time with some of the other residents,” Mrs Pratt said.
For Helena Thompson, crafting is not only relaxing, but it also keeps her mind busy.
“I just love it. It gives me great pleasure,” she said.
Mrs Thompson’s favourite craft was making clothes for charity shop teddy bears that she then donated to her church to give to children at Christmas.
The band of busy crafters making gifts and festive decorations for the pop-up Christmas store at Baptistcare Morrison Gardens also includes Margaret Lang, Ivy Osborne and Pat Ryan. Between them they have skills in quilting, cross-stitch, pottery, knitting, crochet, sewing and embroidery.
A few of the crafters will be joined by their daughters, along with Baptistcare volunteers, to run the Christmas store in December.
Carla Rowe, Lifestyle Coordinator at Baptistcare Morrison Gardens, said crafting not only encouraged social interaction, with residents chatting and helping each other with projects, but it also promoted cognitive and emotional wellbeing.
“We have seen smiles and laughter as our residents enjoy the social side of the group. Many are very proud of their work, showing it to their visitors,” she said.
“Everyone is looking forward to the Christmas store, with residents wanting the money raised to go towards a pizza oven and jukebox so that everyone can enjoy some homemade pizza while listening to some good tunes.”
For more information about Residential Care, please follow this link or contact us on 1300 275 227.