Archive for the 'Community' Category

5th Annual Karuna Christmas Market

Published
by
jenny
on October 22, 2008
in Community, Events and Updates
. 0 Comments

By supporting Karuna’s 5th Annual Christmas Market on November 21 and 22, you too can join the ranks of the truly organised and have your Christmas tree up, decorated and presents underneath before December arrives!

Our display rooms will include: decorated front door wreaths, swags,  table centre pieces with candles,  Christmas cards and gift tags, all sorts of handmade Xmas decorations, jams, pickles, biscuits and Christmas cakes, Karuna’s famous cranberry sauce, handmade toys, coat hangers, aprons, fun shower caps, tea towels,  cupcakes, Christmas trees, Christmas puddings, hand towels, beautiful handbags, purses and jewellery bags to name a few. There will also be a bumper Christmas raffle with prizes including a unique handcrafted dollhouse and adorable porcelain doll.

Safe in the knowledge that you can stock up on gifts and lovingly handmade decorations, why not reward yourself?  On Friday evening you can immerse yourself in the sounds of the Hillbrook Anglican School choir while you enjoy some scrumptious Christmas cake and a glass of chilled sparkling wine. On Saturday you can enjoy some equally delectable cake and cool fruit juice in the sunshine.

There will also be a kindness tree where you can leave messages in memory of a loved one, or messages for world peace and goodwill.

All proceeds from the Christmas market will go towards Karuna’s free home hospice service and various community programs.

Karuna’s 5th Annual Christmas Market

WHERE?

27 Cartwright Street, Windsor

WHEN?
Friday 21st November from 3pm-7pm

Saturday 22nd November from  9am-3pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Jennifer Bligh

07 3632 8300

Open Garden with Karuna

Published
by
jenny
on October 13, 2008
in Community
. 0 Comments

Garden

Last weekend, we received a good smattering of gorgeously rejuvenating and atmospheric rain. So this weekend, the lush garden at Jan and Stuart Gregory’s Open Garden at 10 Bearsden Avenue, Newmarket is in its prime for viewing and is awaiting your visit!

As you amble through the tranquil green beauty of the gardens, stop and browse through a succulent collection of jams, cards, garden aprons and gloves, placemats and plants on offer.

Light refreshments, including chicken rolls, cupcakes, soft drinks, tea and coffee will be on sale. You can even get in early for your Karuna Xmas raffle tickets! All proceeds from the sales on the day will go to Karuna.

OPEN GARDEN WITH KARUNA

WHEN?

Saturday & Sunday 10am-4.30pm

WHERE?

10 Bearsden Avenue, Newmarket QLD 4030

CONTACT
Jennifer Bligh

(07) 3632 8300

World Hospice & Palliative Care Day

Published
by
josh
on October 9, 2008
in Community
. 0 Comments

The first ever World Hospice and Palliative Care Day took place in October 2005 with more than 1,100 events taking place in 74 countries. It was launched by HRH Princess Anne in London, supported by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who described it as “an important global event”.

In 2006, high profile figures Bono and Sir Elton John marked the event by expressing their support for hospice care, and in 2007 Dame Judi Dench added her voice to the campaign.

This World Hospice and Palliative Care day coming up on October 11, let’s adjust the light and shade surrounding the issues of death and dying, and consider palliative care as an inspiring, special and precious time for all concerned.

A wise man from our Palliative Care Information Services (PCIS) team here at Karuna once said, “The problem with palliative care is half the population doesn’t know what it is, and those who do know, don’t want to know what it is”.

Dying is an essential part of all life, the only thing not certain is when. Home palliative care gives the terminally ill time with their loved ones in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their home to share stories, celebrate their lives and speak the words of their hearts.

Thousands of people around the world will be staging events to raise awareness and fundraise for hospice and palliative care services locally, nationally and internationally to mark this annual global event.

To find out more, log on to the World Hospice & Palliative Care Day Website or call 07 3632 8300.

Dog

Ride For Karuna

Published
by
josh
on September 29, 2008
in Community
. 0 Comments

Hello Karuna Supporters,

My name is Jennifer and I recently came to Karuna as a marketing officer. Some of my new responsibilities include organising volunteers for our events, helping with fundraising and liaising with the media.

You may have already heard that Karuna supporters can now raise money with Everyday Hero using the fundraising tool of their choice. Many of us are now joining the National Ride to Work Day on 15th October and asking friends and family to sponsor our participation as a way to raise money for Karuna.

And here’s why.

Experience the sense of freedom as you pass others driving to work or cooped up on public transport. Feel the sun beating down on your back while the wind rushes in your ears. Listen to the sounds of the park as you make your way to work. Fill your lungs with fresh air and arrive to work rejuvenated. Sound good? Riding your bike to work each day is wonderful news for your health, friendly to the environment, cheap, and it boosts your mind for the day. Not only this, but riding to work is a brilliant way to multi-task your commute to work with your daily 30 minutes of exercise!

You can get involved by dusting off your bike and registering yourself as a Karuna hero at Everyday Hero, which will set up an account on your behalf so your sponsors can add funds. You can then log on to Ride2Work and join in the fun, knowing that it is all going towards a great cause. Or, if you don’t feel up to it yourself, why not suggest this great activity to any bike enthusiasts you might know?

Nervous about getting back into it? There are some great words of advice on the site, or call me on (07) 3632 8300 with any questions. You can also email me with any questions here.

Happy Cycling!

Jennifer


How to be an Everyday Hero

Published
by
josh
on September 15, 2008
in Community
. 0 Comments

Have you ever wanted to be a part of Karuna’s fundraising team?

Do you want to become involved in Karuna’s work, but don’t have the time to volunteer?

Do you find it hard to give donations through our normal channels, but want to help us make a difference?

I may have an answer for you that can turn your everyday living into giving!

Karuna has recently signed up to Everyday Hero, an innovative website that allows people to raise money for their favourite charity or non-profit through a number of fun and exciting ideas.

You can become an Everyday Hero, set up your own fundraising page and run your own events to raise money for Karuna. This could be as small as a fun run at your local school or a Tux ‘n’ Tails, Diamonds ‘n’ Tiaras ball, complete with silent auctions and raffles.

Once you have set up the page, decided on an event and set a fundraising target, you can email all your friends and encourage them to sponsor you, buy tickets to attend the event or donate directly to Karuna.

If you’re not feeling energetic, you can support a friend, family member or colleague who is running a fundraising event for Karuna. That way you can donate without even breaking a sweat!

If shopping is more your thing, you can register as an Everyday Hero and shop for gifts, services and lots of other fun stuff from the shopping partners listed on the site. These partners have agreed to give a percentage of their profits to the Everyday Hero charities. The idea of registering first is so you can choose Karuna as your charity and ensure a percentage of the money you spend goes directly to Karuna.

So hop on the site and have a look. Once you’re hooked, let all your friends and family know about it. You can even raise money for Karuna by sending them a Hero e-card asking them to join!

It’s a fun, easy way to help us continue to care for the people of Brisbane.

Log on to www.everydayhero.com.au now or call Lisa on (07) 36328317 if you need more information, or some fundraising ideas!

Art Market Memories & Thanks

Published
by
josh
on August 12, 2008
in Community
. 0 Comments

It might have been the lure of another Pro Hart; it might have been the sunshine; it might have been the promise of hundreds of pieces of precious bling at rock bottom prices.

Whatever the combination, the Karuna Pre-Loved Art and Jewellery Market 2008 was an outstanding success. Appetites were whetted by snippets in the local newspapers and magazines, radio announcements and a wonderful piece on Brisbane Extra.

After months of watching the donations roll in and being in awe of the generosity of the community and local businesses, after weeks of logistics, building muscles and worrying we’d forgotten something, after scanning the horizon for dreaded storm clouds, the day finally dawned.

Actually, some of us were up before dawn, but it was with a bleary-eyed smile and the help of an eager band of staff and volunteers that we had the art hung and the bling shining by the time the gates opened at 8am.

The first line of shoppers got the best of the bargains as they walked through hundreds of original paintings, prints, frames and posters. Some headed straight for the jewellery, beads and watches where many a bargain was collected before morning tea.

The Rotary boys had sausages on the go before we knew it; raffle rickets were sold and silent auction bids were rising before our eyes. Right through until 1pm our vollies and staff toiled and smiled, laughing with the customers, negotiating sales and bagging a few of their own as they took well earned rest breaks.

I wish I could name each and every person and local business who helped us out, but I would need more than our small newsletter to fit you all in. Please know that we carry you in our hearts and minds every day. Karuna relies on you and your generosity and good will each and every year, and you never, ever let us down.

Thank you, and thank you to everyone who came along to help us celebrate the day. It raised much needed funds to help Karuna care for the people of Brisbane. And we had some great fun along the way!

DSCF1965

Acknowledgement of Funding Support for Karuna

Published
by
karuna
on April 8, 2008
in Community
. 0 Comments

Karuna’s recent computer upgrade to a terminal server allowing additional computer support was proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

gambling-fund.gif

Also, the recent upgrade to our office phone system was generously supported by Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund.

jupiters-colour.png

Karuna would like to thank all the community for its continued support and all the help that goes towards providing a better home hospice service for community.

Download Karuna News, Summer/Autumn 2008

Published
by
karuna
on April 7, 2008
in Community and Downloads
. 0 Comments

Please click the image to download the full pdf version of our Summer/Autumn newsletter for 2008.

news-aummer-2008.jpg

My St Patrick’s Day Dinner Experience

Published
by
karuna
on April 1, 2008
in Community
. 0 Comments

It was the first St Patrick’s Day dinner I had attended as a volunteer or otherwise, and it was a fun night… as Nev Wells said… he likes to give the punters value for money and it was that indeed…

Kay and Veronica were there for Karuna, as was Frank Curran, current president of the Knights of the Southern Cross, Everton Park Branch (the organisers). Many remarked on the delicious food (truly a St Patricks day feast… including Guiness Pie), and the efficiency of the volunteer waiting staff!!

Nev Wells (Branch Secretary) is a true entertainer, telling stories, jokes, singing and running many raffles as well. On top of this we were delighted by Irish dancing and the wonderful singing of Sue Wighton.

The Knights of the Southern Cross have been running St Patrick’s Day dinners for Karuna for 8 years now and have raised over $30,000 for us.

This is an extraordinary achievement and we are very grateful for this ongoing support.

Sally Dudgeon (Community Liaison).

Our ‘Ba’, from Karuna News Summer/Autumn 2008

Published
by
karuna
on March 6, 2008
in Community and Downloads
. 1 Comment

The Summer/Autumn Karuna Newsletter is now available. Download the Karuna News Summer/Autumn 2008 in pdf format. The following is just one article from the newsletter.

My mother, Gienia, was diagnosed with Lymphoma when my youngest son was 6 months old. We called her Ba. She had been Ba for the last 17 years and got the name from my nephew who called her that because Grandma was such a big word when he was very little.The name stuck. Ba coped really well with the first round of chemotherapy. She lost her hair but was still driving and getting around. But the cancer was still there so a second round was scheduled to begin on Boxing Day 2006.

ba-ryan-josh.jpg
Ba with grandsons Ryan and Josh

We had a lovely Christmas with Mum making her usual enormous plum pudding that we struggled to carry to the table. Mum knew what lay ahead but was upbeat and positive because she had already coped extremely well with one round of treatment and she was determined that she could manage another.We did not realise that this would be our last Christmas together. The second round of chemotherapy was very strong and she spent most of the year in and out of hospital. She was very weak and frustrated by her condition. Mum had always been very active and would fill her days helping others. She wanted to play with her small grandsons but it was all a little too much. A course of radiation followed the chemotherapy. Unbelievably, the cancer was still growing.The doctors sent her home to live the rest of her life. There was no timeframe - she could have years. As it turned out, it was less than 2 months.

My mother was frightened of dying alone and wanted to stay with me for as long as she could. My sister arrived from Mackay to help and that is when we first heard about Karuna.

We were asked, “What do you need”? We really did not know. The lovely Alice arrived the next day. She was so capable and reassuring and instantly we knew that we could do this. A bed arrived later in the day and my sister and I were relieved we had a 24 hour number for assistance.

Ba was deteriorating; she could no longer get out of bed and was barely eating. One Tuesday, Alice said that she was slipping faster than expected and she estimated Ba had less than a week. Alice or Lynda were there every day providing much needed advice and support, along with practical help with bathing, bed changing and pain management.

Our Ba lost her brave battle with cancer at 3.30am Monday 3rd September. She passed with one hand in my sister’s hand and the other in mine.

Ba’s calm and peaceful passing would not have been possible without the fantastic support from Karuna. I know that Ba really appreciated the assistance my sister and I received. She knew that without Karuna she would not have been able to stay at home listening to her grandsons play and giggle.

By Carol Ferris