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A New Pathway For The Elderly At Graceford Retirement Village Byford WA

Plan Started: 23rd January 2012 Plan Location: Category: Local Area

"The Byford & Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank have reccently donated a bus to the elderly of Graceford Ret..."

Plan by: Kim Petersen

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Case Study

This is a Byford and Districts Community Bank Branch plan

Plan Description:

The Byford & Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank have reccently donated a bus to the elderly of Graceford Retirement Village in Byford WA to help them get about in the community. At a thank you morning tea that the residents put on for the bank we became aware of a big safety concern for the elderly on their morning and evening walks. They were forced to walk on loose gravel for a short distance at the front of the premises as the local shire doesn't have a footpath. This can be most frightening for the frail as cars wizz by and extremely dangerous.

My Big reasons are:

The Byford and Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank want to help get a new 44metre footpath at the front of the Graceford building eliminating any need to travel on or near the main road. This path would have yellow paint on its border to assist the visually impaired with navigating along it safely. We need approx $3,500 to carry out the works. The Community Engagement Officer of the bank is currently investigating how to raise these funds within the community.

My plan will be a success when:

When we have the elderly off Turners Rd completely and they can carry out their walks within the safe confinements of the Graceford Retirement Village in Byford WA safely.

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My plan success story

1. Now you’ve marked your plan a success, what about it makes you most proud?

It was an incredible feeling when Zofia shed a tear and gave me a hug out of the joy of seeing a path that she had long dreamed to happen but hadn't managed to make happen yet. It was beautiful watching 101 year old Mary holding hands with her best mate Lyn and seeing them leave their hand marks in the wet concrete as a permanent reminder of the bond they share. This will be visable for always. It was a completely beautiful, perfect moment in time that will live with me always and means the world to all the staff and Board of the Byford & Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank.

2. What challenges did you face on your journey and what have you learned?

The challenges were finding a sponsor to donate the $3,500 in the first place. Developers were approached, mining company etc... but no luck. It took many, many calls and return calls to find the right person Rod Beaman of SJ Landfill to help make this possible. Next Zofia got quotes for the job that were double what we had raised. The next problem was to find a concrete contractor with a huge heart that would show some community spirit and goodwill by dropping their price to meet what we had raised. Jarrod Daniels from Dowsing Concrete was that man I am happy to say.

3. What are some ways that PlanBig has helped you?

It is wonderful to share the journey of having a dream and seeing it to the end with others. It inspires them to follow their own dreams but it also inspires you to keep going because you don't want to let anyone down. Being able to give updates and share photos as you would with family members and friends but with the rest of the country and world is pretty amazing.

4. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The Byford and Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank care about their community and are committed to making a positive difference to the residents and groups that exist . People are good and they like the opportunity to make worthwhile contributions but often don't know where to start. Connecting with the bank and supporting the bank enables so many doors to open. Amazing partnerships result and dreams that once seemed all to hard suddenly become possible.