In the past few weeks, I’ve received hundreds of them. Painstakingly drafted. Delivered with lots of love. Some even with cash wrapped inside them.

All these letters have come from the elderly Greek Australian community. Pensioners with not a lot, but make it their prerogative to contribute as much as they can to a cause they feel passionate about.

The biennial 3XY Fronditha Care Radiothon this year made a big impact on me. I’ve participated in at least three 3XY Fronditha Care Radiothons but this time I was blown away from the generosity of our elderly Greek Australians.

Even before our Radiothon weekend, hundreds of pledge forms started coming through.

Twenty dollars here, $50 there.

By the time we arrived at the Radiothon on March 17-18, we had collected more than $40,000 in pledges from hundreds of Greek Australians.

In two days, that sum jumped up to $130,000.

The phone lines were ringing off the hook. Volunteers were queuing to offer their help and man the phones.

Our satellite sites in Oakleigh, Clayton and Thornbury were busy, with donors braving the heat to hand deliver their pledges.

Many spoke about their loved ones who recently passed. Others about the effect of dementia. They were shocked at how debilitating the disease is – watching their mothers, fathers and friends become shells of themselves – unrecognisable .

Many people choked back tears as they made their pledge. But they were so determined to see their fellow community members looked after.

Over the next seven years, those diagnosed with dementia will increase by 30 per cent. Demand for dementia specific beds in aged care homes is already very high. That’s why these fundraisers are so important.

All the funds raised will go directly to building memory support units in Clayton and St Albans for those with severe dementia. It will mean our much loved community members can continue living with dignity, speak their mother tongue and be understood all while  in a safe, comfortable and culturally responsive environment.

I can’t thank the community enough, especially those who live day-to-day and still found a way to contribute to us.

That is true kindness.

Thank you.

George Lekakis

CEO