Welcome
Rounding out winter for another year, we’ve got plenty of updates to share with you. From SIP Week and Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week both kicking off this Monday 4th September, to our extension at East Palm Beach, and AJ’s 10 year carer milestone, it’s all wrapped up for you below.
Join us in the “SIP for Good” challenge, starting tomorrow |
It’s that time of year again – time to sip through a straw for a good cause. SIP Week, with the “SIP for Good” challenge kicks off this Monday 4th September and it’s an opportunity for all of us to help raise funds to find a cure for paralysis. As a specialist Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) care provider, we know just how much your support means to our clients and friends. If you haven’t already, it’s not too late to sign up and get your very own fundraising page, where friends and family can donate. Or if you’d simply like to donate, you can join me by donating through my personal fundraising page below. With a $250,000 goal, at last look, there was a whopping $106,187 raised – but there’s still plenty to go! The SIP for Good challenge runs between 4 – 10 September. With every $1 being matched, your support WILL make a difference. |
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week begins tomorrow |
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week (SCIAW), a national campaign highlighting spinal cord injury to the broader community, is also running 4 – 10 September. Tomorrow, we’re joining the campaign at the Gold Coast University Hospital Spinal Unit, to celebrate the remarkable achievements in spinal cord research, care and advocacy. It’s an important occasion to come together with the spinal unit’s dedicated team, patients, families and other stakeholders to foster a sense of community and solidarity. |
CareMatch unanimously voted in for another 12 month extension at East Palm Beach |
Last year, we launched our Onsite Shared Support (OSS) service within Accessible Homes Australia’s Specialist Disability Accommodation project, East Palm Beach. Now, the East Palm Beach residents have voted again, and we’ll continue our role as the OSS service provider for another 12 months (through to August, 2024)! It’s an honour for us to provide such an essential service to the NDIS residents within the building who require 24/7 peace of mind and support, and we’re thrilled to see that our presence is having such a positive impact. |
A special thank you to Brad Papalia and Sam Morton |
This month Brad and Sam made the trip to Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, to assist our new client and friend Nathan on his journey to the Gold Coast. The trip up here saw Nathan enjoy a family holiday, while beginning his journey at Making Strides to aid in his recovery. Thank you to Brad and Sam, and everyone involved, in making this happen for Nathan. We could not be prouder of our support team and the values they exhibit by going above and beyond to help our clients needs. |
AJ marks his TENTH year as a carer! |
Starting his journey as a carer some ten years ago, AJ (Abraham Buatava) has been working with both intellectually impaired clients and those with physical disabilities. When we asked him what he loves so much about what he does at CareMatch, he had this to say: “I love knowing at the end of a shift, that I have helped someone live their best life. Whether it be helping our clients go down the road to get breakfast or helping our clients travel overseas to tick off goals. Selfishly, I love this job because it humbles me and makes me appreciate what I have in my own life too.” AJ is both a leader and an inspiration within our CareMatch team. From all of us, congratulations on this huge milestone. |
Around the CareMatch grounds |
It’s been another busy month of birthdays, work anniversaries and exceptional care. Join us in celebrating the birthdays of Juanita Hallett who turned 26 and Blake Richards who turned 39. Cameron Lewis and Hayden John celebrated their 6 month CareMatch anniversaries, Tina Hallet and Amy Murtagh celebrated their 3 year anniversaries, while Marcus Scanes marked off his 6 year anniversary too! AJ Buatava, also marked off 10 impressive years as a carer! WOW. To those celebrating their work milestones with us – thank you for being such a valued part of our team. Carer of the month A massive shout-out to our carer of the month for August, and new team leader for our OSS service at East Palm Beach, Kate Nicholson! Thank you for everything that you do Kate, and we hope you enjoy your voucher. Join us in congratulating Kate as you next see her. |
That’s a wrap for this month’s CareMatch Newsletter. Thank you for being a part of our CareMatch community. Stay connected with us for more updates, stories, and highlights of the incredible individuals who make CareMatch so special.