The social committee’s Fiiona Beverley and Wilma Cunningham alongside Country Hope’s Babs Donaldson, Monique Taylor and Yvette Pastro with Margaret Bryon accepting flowers on behalf of Lois McDermott. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
They’re supposed to be taking it easy in their twilight years.
Instead, residents of Griffith Retirement Estate have been working hard and were recognised this week for raising more than $42,000 over the past five years to support Country Hope, a charity that helps children and families across regional NSW facing serious illness, disability and other life challenges.
At a ceremony at the estate on Wednesday (3 June), the residents’ social committee presented Country Hope with a cheque for $6200, taking the total amount raised since 2021 to more than $42,000.
Country Hope provides practical and emotional support to families dealing with childhood cancer and other life-threatening or chronic illnesses. Among its most popular programs are its camps, which give children and teenagers facing significant health challenges the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, build confidence and form friendships with others who understand their experiences.
Country Hope community engagement coordinator Monique Taylor said the contribution from Griffith Retirement Estate residents was making a real difference.
“They raise money at the bar and a lot of them sell raffle tickets, they head down the street and sell them. They do a lot of work,” Ms Taylor said.
“It’s $2000 to send a kid to one of our camps, so they’re helping a lot of children.”
A special award and flowers were presented to resident Lois McDermott in recognition of her outstanding fundraising efforts. As Ms McDermott was unable to attend due to illness, the award was accepted on her behalf by friend Margaret Byron.
“Lois was the driving force behind the raffles and has just done an amazing job raising funds for us,” Ms Taylor said.
Wilma Cunningham gives Yvette Pastro a cheque for $6200. Photo: Supplied.
Griffith Retirement Estate social committee president Wilma Cunningham said the achievement reflected the generosity and dedication of the entire community.
“It’s a wonderful achievement and it’s down both to the committee and residents,” she said.
Country Hope volunteer and fundraising coordinator Yvette Pastro said several fundraising events were already planned for the months ahead.
“We’ve been offered the chance to fundraise at Trish and Louis Sartor’s garden during Griffith Spring Fest, where they open gardens on the weekend of 17-18 October,” she said.
“Also, on Saturday 26 September, we have a pink day fundraiser, and we are planning a paint and sip and high tea.”
Ms Pastro encouraged more Griffith residents to get involved with the charity’s work.
“We are looking for volunteers in the Griffith area to help us fundraise. There’s lots of ways you can support – you can bake slices or give us something to raffle off. It’s very fulfilling to help out,” she said.
“We are also looking for peers who can accompany our children to support them at their camp. Our next camp will be held at Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre near Wagga from Sunday 27 September to Friday 2 October 2026.”
Country Hope has supported regional families for more than two decades and relies heavily on community fundraising and volunteers to deliver its services. The organisation assists hundreds of families each year across southern and western NSW.
The latest donation continues Griffith Retirement Estate’s long tradition of community involvement. The village, located on the outskirts of Griffith, is home to hundreds of retirees and is known for its active social calendar, with residents regularly organising events, fundraisers and community activities.
The estate made headlines earlier this year during a major summer blackout, when residents gathered together with food, wine and conversation to help one another cope with temperatures that soared above 45 degrees. The story highlighted the strong community spirit that continues to underpin life at the village – a spirit that has now translated into more than $42,000 for a charity helping some of the region’s most vulnerable children and families.
To support Country Hope’s work or express your interest in volunteering, visit its website.
