The Victorian Association of Argos Orestikon and District (Orestias) has donated $50,000 to Fronditha Care as part of a recent fundraising campaign which raised over $82,000 in total for the design and construction of a community garden for the enjoyment of elderly participating in Fronditha Care Social Support Groups.

Fronditha Care CEO Faye Spiteri (Tsolakis) and Penny Hobson Athanasopoulos, Executive General Manager of Community Services, were presented with the $50,000 cheque at a recent event hosted by members of the Argos Orestikon and District Committee.

The garden will be built alongside the Fronditha Care Community Centre as part of Fronditha Care’s Social Support Groups. It will be co designed and built with the participation of elders and the members of the Argos Orestikon and District (Orestias) Association. The garden will have raised beds so elders can join in planting, tending the garden and growing fruits and vegetables. There will also be an outside paved area providing much-needed outdoor space for activities.

Mr Leonidas Ouzounis, President of Argos Orestikon, spoke about the history of the Argos Orestikon and District (Orestias) Association and the ability to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to Fronditha Care.

“My friends and I have been participating in the Social Support Groups in Mulgrave for some time now, and I have witnessed the staff’s dedication and devotion, and enjoyed the excellent environment of the Community Centre that hosts us every week,” enthused Jim Megas, the secretary of the Association.

“When we learnt about Fronditha Care’s plans for a community garden, we were very excited about the chance to contribute,” he added.

On behalf of Fronditha Care Mrs Spiteri (Tsolakis) expressed her sincere gratitude for the thoughtfulness of the Association.

“Fronditha Care is grateful to receive such a generous donation from the Victorian Association of Argos Orestikon and District,” she said.

“These funds will go a long way to making the project a reality and the community garden will undoubtedly bring much joy to our elderly. The Board, my team and I, are looking forward to sharing updates on the progress of the garden as it takes shape. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the other donors who contributed funds towards this project and afforded the opportunity for Fronditha Care to co-design a really unique garden for our elders and community members to enjoy.”