Adult patients in need across Monash Health will be the beneficiaries of a recent grant from Bendigo Bank to the Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale.
The $5000 grant will be used by the Rotary Club to purchase clothing for patients in need – for example, after their clothes are cut off during emergency treatment.
The need for clothes was identified by the Social Work team. Social Work Manager, Michael Splawa-Neyman and Katrina Frederick, Social Work Allied Health Assistant (who oversees the material aid program for Social Work) approached the Monash Health Foundation. The Foundation spoke to the Rotary Club’s Community Chair Lesley Zuccaro and the Club developed a pitch for the Bendigo Bank grants program.
Michael (pictured with some of the boxes of donated clothes) explained that patients in various units have a need for new clothing particularly when leaving hospital.
“Adult mental health patients, ICU patients and people leaving the Monash Health Emergency Departments will benefit from the program,” Michael said.
“Without these wonderful donations, our patients might be going home in a hospital gown or damaged clothing, as they might not have friends or relatives able to drop in fresh clothes,” he said.
Lesley and her fellow Rotarians are proud of the program that the Rotary Club has developed, naming it ‘Going home with dignity’ for the pitch process.
“We shop online or at local retail shops and look to buy the clothing when it is discounted to ensure our funds are spread as widely as possible. We have also received some generous donations of clothing. This means we can fulfil the need for up to 65 sets of clothing per month,” Lesley said.
The Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale also raise funds through their Sunday Market in Oakleigh and their annual charity golf day. These funds go to various programs and causes in the local community as well as to international humanitarian projects. You can read more about the Club on their website.
Jacinta Re, Head of Profession Social Work, thanked the Rotary Club on behalf of Monash Health and all the patients who will benefit.
“We are extremely grateful to Lesley and the Rotary Club for their ongoing hard work and generosity.”
