With active-wear and headbands dusted off, the odometers on the bike, treadmill, and cross trainer at ACH Group’s Kapara Residential Care Home have been clocking up the kilometres as residents take part in making wishes a reality for sick children.
For the second year, 16 lively and generous residents will ride and walk throughout February to raise funds for Make-A-Wish’s virtual fundraiser ‘Ride for Wishes’.
ACH Group acting CEO Linda Feldt said Ride for Wishes not only encourages residents to stay active but is also an opportunity for the Kapara community to give back.
“The fundraiser is an initiative that sees the Kapara community come together,” Feldt says.
It is a cause close to the hearts of residents as many are grandparents and even great grandparents. They realise how memorable moments will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of sick children and their families.
ACH Group acting CEO, Linda Feldt
“Residents, families, and staff are very supportive of participating residents, encouraging them to reach their distance goals and donating to the fundraiser.
“It is a cause close to the hearts of residents as many are grandparents and even great grandparents.
“They realise how memorable moments will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of sick children and their families.”
Yvonne Stewart, 92, says fundraising is very necessary and it’s a worthwhile cause to be involved in.
Stewart, pictured above left, will ride 10 kilometres.
“I have always enjoyed staying active,” she says.
“In school I joined most of the sports teams and played football with my brothers; now I walk and go to the gym as often as I can.”
Fred Dodd, 90, will ride and walk 20 kilometres.
I have the belief, ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’, so I am in the gym every week on the cross trainer…. It is good to have a goal to achieve and work towards it.
Ride For Wishes participant, Fred Dodd, 90
“I feel I am capable of keeping active,” Dodd, pictured above right, says.
“I have the belief, ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’, so I am in the gym every week on the cross trainer.”
Asked if he is daunted by the 20-kilometre target, Fred said, “It is good to have a goal to achieve and work towards it.”
The team at Kapara has a fundraising goal of $2000, which is double last year’s figure.
To donate to the team and support Make-A-Wish, click here.
About ACH Group
ACH Group is a not-for-profit community organisation promoting opportunities and services to support good lives for older people since 1952.
As well as accommodation options across Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula, the group offers a range of health, wellbeing, respite, and support services, help at home and social activities.
The group’s 1800 specialist staff and hundreds of volunteers share the belief that older people should be valued and respected, connected to their communities and in control of their lives.
