Community
29 July, 2023
Audiences dig deep for hospice
THEATRE goers have dug deep for a local charity, proving that there really is ‘no place like home.’
Audiences at last week’s production of The Wizard of Oz at Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre were encouraged to donate their small change to the Warrnambool and District Community Hospice (WDCH) – and together they raised almost $500.
“We raised $480.44 from the tin raffle in the foyer and an audience member also made a self-referral to Hospice in the Home,” Emmalee Bell, Warrnambool and District Community Hospice manager said.
“We’re very pleased we were able to reach at least one person in need to support them to remain at home. It’s so easy for people giving or receiving end of life care to be disconnected and not know there are services available to help maximise quality of life.”
The charity, which provides a much-needed and well utilised Hospice in the Home service across the district free of charge, was thrilled to be a charity partner for the production.
The partnership provided an ideal opportunity for WDCH to promote Hospice in the Home, which supports the provision of end-of-life care at home, and to raise some much-needed funds for the cause.
“When deciding which local charity to support, Warrnambool and District Community Hospice was a natural choice,” Warrnambool Theatre Company president Ailiche Goddard-Clegg said.
“WDCH is an organisation that embodies The Wizard of Oz’s key message – that there’s no place like home”.
Another tie between WDCH and The Wizard of Oz production was hospice manager, Emmalee Bell, who played the role of Glinda the Good Witch.
Emmalee had previously performed with Holiday Actors and Warrnambool Theatre Company, and was excited to combine her passion for performing, with her passion for the hospice service.
“I am incredibly proud to lead a team of staff and volunteers, working together to help local people spend their final days in the comfort of home, with the people they love,” Ms Bells said.
“Being at home helps prolong quality of life when someone is dying and keeps them connected to what matters most to them.
“It also helps their loved ones to better cope with the demands of caring, and the grief they experience before and after loss.”
Ms Bell said WDCH was very grateful to Holiday Actors and Warrnambool Theatre Company for their assistance in spreading the word about Hospice in the Home.
“It is important that local people know that this service is available free-of-charge and that they can reach out to us directly without a referral,” Ms Bells said.
“Community donations are very welcome as WDCH does not receive any recurrent government funding and is reliant on donations from local people, business, and community groups.”
