More than $130,000 has been pledged to see Greek Australians with severe dementia supported and cared for at Fronditha Care’s residential aged care facilities.

The huge sum was donated during the 2018 3XY Fronditha Care Radiothon over the March 17-18 weekend, and will go towards the reconstruction of Fronditha Care’s memory support units in Clayton South (50 beds) and St Albans (30 beds).

It was all hands on deck as more than 700 individuals and various organisations kept the phones ringing all weekend.

Numerous politicians, ambassadors, aged care industry leaders and Greek Australian personalities also joined the live broadcast and some even jumped on the phones during busy periods.

Former newsreader and journalist, George Donikian went back to his broadcast roots and joined the co-hosts to do some live interviews with various guests.

Minister for Ageing, Ken Wyatt sent a message from Perth to acknowledge the unique culturally responsive environment at Fronditha Care and revealed he actually uses the organisation as an exemplary example to other aged care providers.

Oakleigh member Steve Dimopoulos, representing Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, not only pledged his support, but also jumped on the phones to take live pledges, powering through with a Greek coffee and loukoumi.

Also providing messages of support for Fronditha Care were, Greek Ambassador to Australia, Ekaterini Xagorari, High Commissioner of Cyprus Martha Mavrommati, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Dimitrios Michalopoulos, Julia Banks MP, Maria Vamvakinou MP, Jenny Mikakos MP, AHEPA, local Greek Australian councillors, ACSA CEO Pat Sparrow, LASA CEO Sean Rooney.

The Greek community groups and brotherhoods were once again very generous, donating some of the biggest sums of money during the Radithon. The Ithacan Philanthropic Society donated $15,000, while the Senior Citizens Club of St Dimitrios gave $3000 and the Lemnian Community of Victoria $2000.

Fronditha Care CEO George Lekakis was blown away from all the support.

“I can’t believe just how generous the community was this year,” Mr Lekakis said.

“Dementia care needs will skyrocket in the near future so we have to think ahead and be ready.”

Donations can still be made by calling Fronditha Care on 03 9552 4100 or filling out a form at http://frondithacare.org.au/news-media-publications/radiothon/