The event was held as part of Eldercare’s Give Back Program which is an internal volunteering initiative that aims to foster relationships between Head Office staff, site-based teams and residents.

Residents and staff embraced the Christmas spirit by dressing for the occasion and sharing a three-course meal before being entertained by carollers.

Dementia Excellence Program Facilitator Tanya Liddell manages the Give Back Program and said many Give Back events ‘would not be possible’ without the assistance from Head Office staff.

“What makes the Give Back program special is that everyone benefits,” said Tanya.

“Our residents benefit because we’re able to host bigger events like Christmas in July at our residential aged care facilities so there’s a lot of anticipation and excitement at site which is wonderful to see.

“Our Give Back volunteers benefit because they form meaningful relationships with residents and site-based staff and develop a deeper understanding of life at our residential aged care facilities.”

Ms Liddell said the Give Back Program demonstrated the value Eldercare places on connection and developing warm and generous relationships.

“There was a beautiful moment at Christmas in July when a resident’s daughter witnessed her mother jovially singing Christmas carols with a fellow resident,” said Tanya.

“What made this special was that the resident’s daughter lives interstate and is unable to attend many events so it was beautiful to see her witnessing her mother’s joy – and she was able to capture this with a ‘forever photo’.”

Injury and Claims Consultant Chris Pelvin, who volunteered at the Christmas event, said the ‘look of happiness on residents’ faces’ was the ‘best part’ of volunteering through the Give Back Program.

“I relish the opportunity to get to know residents and engage with them – it serves as a reminder of the importance of my role within Eldercare,” said Chris.

“It is humbling to know that, by volunteering through Give Back, I am making a difference to the wellbeing of residents and their families.”

Image (L – R): Eldercare Online Marketing Coordinator Chloe Pickering, Consumer Engagement Coordinator Christine Morris, Executive Assistant Amy Parmiter, Senior Clinical Systems Specialist Cathy Le Cornu and Dementia Excellence Program Facilitator Tanya Liddell.

View the gallery for more photos from the day: