YOU can bring a smile to the face of an older central Victorian in isolation as the coronavirus pandemic goes on.
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The Bendigo Advertiser is encouraging children to brighten the day of locked down nursing home residents by sending them letters and pictures in the lead up to Easter.
To help get your children's creative juices flowing, we've published a picture of an Easter Bunny on page nine of today's paper, ready for any and all aspiring artists to colour in and hopefully help brighten the spirits of their fellow central Victorians.
Advertiser editor Peter Kennedy said the paper welcomed the opportunity to help link the community and hopefully provide some added colour and brightness to those who missed being with their loved ones in these times.
Aged care residents love receiving letters and artwork from younger people, Bupa regional manager Anthony Scolyer said.
"Our residents' eyes light up when they interact with younger generations," he said.
"While they can't do this in person at the moment, letter writing is a great way to keep those relationships going - or to kickstart new relationships."
Mr Scolyer encouraged people to include return addresses because some residents will want to write back to thank children for being so thoughtful.
"Not all our residents will be able to respond, but I'm sure many will want to and we could see the start of some amazing pen pal relationships," he said.
Bupa's aged care homes in Bendigo and Kyneton are among those with residents eagerly waiting by their letterboxes.
Uniting AgeWell, Benetas, and Japara's Bendigo-based homes would also would love children to hop along to the post office with their letters and art.
Here's just a few places you can send drawings and pictures:
- Uniting AgeWell Strath-Haven Community: 131-149 Condon Street, Bendigo 3550, Attn: Kerryn Anderson.
- Benetas St Laurence Court - Kangaroo Flat: 6-8 Wesley Street, Kangaroo Flat, 3555
- Benetas St Laurence Court - Eaglehawk: 112 Upper California Gully Rd, California Gully, 3556
- Japara Mirridong: 92-100 McIvor Hwy, Bendigo VIC 3550
- Bupa Bendigo : 208 Holdsworth Road, Bendigo, Vic, 3550
- Bupa Kyneton: 2 Edgecombe Street, Kyneton, Vic, 3444
Would your aged care facility like to be involved? We'd love you add your details to the list. Email us at addynews@bendigoadvertiser.com.au
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