The Australian Greek Welfare Society (AGWS) has initiated a new scheme for elderly Greeks residing in Aged Care Facilities, with an aim to keep them engaged with the community.
The program entitled Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is made up of 80 trained volunteers who meet with residents on a regular weekly basis.
With a growing Greek elderly population, as part of the program the AGWS is also holding Greek cultural events in a number of Aged Care Facilities across the state to inform staff members and other residents about Greek culture. This includes informative talks on Greek customs and traditions and a display of Greek artifacts. In addition to this, there is entertainment for all with Greek music and food, including performances by dance group ‘Anemones’ doing a variety of dances from all regions of Greece.
The program embracing culture diversity is helping to instill great pride in residents with Greeks and non-Greeks alike joining in on the festivities.
Relying heavily on volunteers and to continue offering its invaluable services to the elderly Greek community, the AGWS will be running a Radiothon this month on August 15 and 17 to raise funds.