Grampians Health aged care communities dress up in footy colours
24 September 2024
AFL Grand Final might still be a few days away but residents and team members in Grampians Health’s aged care communities embraced the footy spirit in earnest.
Residents and team members in care communities across Edenhope, Dimboola, Horsham, Stawell and Ballarat dressed up in their footy teams’ colours, cheering their favourites on. It did not matter if their team ranked at the top or bottom – supporters proudly donned their favourite team’s colours in a vibrant display of celebration.
While Collingwood and Geelong supporters were plenty, Bulldogs enjoyed a clean majority among the residents.
“For people who follow football, regardless of the code – AFL, NRL, soccer – it is often a lifelong passion,” said Jackie Exell, Meaningful Life Manager, Aged Care at Grampians Health.
“Footy also brings back fond memories of settling down with the family for a big Saturday afternoon game or when you listened to the games on radio – it’s sentimental. By dressing up in footy colours, we hope to bring a bit of footy joy to our residents and hope it prompts conversations about their fond memories, leading to meaningful moments.”
Residents of Lakeside Living in Edenhope were taken on a bus ride to local footy ovals while several activities were held to celebrate the footy fever across Ballarat, Dimboola, Stawell and Horsham.
In Ballarat, the excitement reached new heights with a special visit from the Western Bulldogs mascot, Scout.
Scout brought smiles and laughter as he handed out gift bags to residents who are Bulldogs supporters and put on an entertaining show. Adding to the fun, real-life mascots, Caesar and Sunny, made appearances at James Thomas Court and Talbot Place, spreading cheer and footy fever among residents.
“It was wonderful to be able to support the Grampians Health Aged Care Communities and their Footy Colours Day, which was initiated by one of our local Bulldogs staff members. It was wonderful to see the smiles brought to many faces,” said Campbell Waring, Western Bulldogs Ballarat Engagement Manager.
“Scout was at his entertaining best and everyone loves our official mascots Caesar and Sunny, regardless of their age. We hope the residents enjoyed the special visits.”
Ms Exell thanked the local Bulldogs team for their support in making the Footy Colours Day special for residents.
“It takes a community to care for our residents, and activities like these bring our community – residents, team members, and families – together to share in some of life’s fun moments.”