Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. – Leo Buscaglia
Across Australia and the world, people are living with a sense of constant worry and anxiety. The pandemic has come at a time when Australians are still feeling the impact of recent bushfires, floods and drought. It is increasingly important now, more than ever, to stay close and care for each other.
At Able Australia, we understand the importance of social distancing to keep our clients safe and healthy, but we do not want it to come in the way of their overall well-being.
Able Australia’s community support program in SE Queensland primarily focuses on seniors in the community. During these times of uncertainty, it has become critical for us to give our elders a sense of security and warmth within the confines of their homes.
Due to COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions, we have no physical contact with our valued seniors. However, that hasn’t stopped the Able team in Queensland from making calls to check on their clients, and to show them that we care. They have even started delivering tea and biscuits to their clients as a reminder that they are only a phone call away. This initiative is popularly known as the ‘QuaranTea’, shown in the image below.
Below are testimonials from two of our lovely clients in Queensland:
‘’Hi to all the wonderful people at Able. I live alone. I have no relatives. Able are the only contact I have had except for 2 or 3 friends.
This complex has about 400 homes in it to make things worse; I belong to the friendship club in the complex. It used to be called the Garden club but changed its name to the Friendship Club, not one person from the ‘Friendship Club’ has contacted me.
Able have phoned me, left me ANZAC biscuits and Poppy in my letterbox, and delivered a small gift of Bickies and tea. Much appreciated. Thanks. A Big Thank You to Able keep up the excellent work it is appreciated.’’
– A Happy Senior, Jimboomba Transport Services
Elizabeth Elliot shared that she is extremely happy with Able Australia transport, the help she gets is great, and on top of excellent transport. She is highly appreciative of calls from ABle staff to check up on her and values the fact that Able Australia is more about the people.
Another innovative idea by the Queensland team to commemorate our war veterans amidst social distancing restrictions:
Celebrating ANZAC Day: Lest we forget
The team delivered Poppies with a letter asking clients to write an inspirational quote on the leaf of the Poppy. Our clients then could choose to display the Poppy leaf at home or contact the team for collection to post them on site.
Three of our lovely volunteers, Len, Lyn and Mary-Lyn, decorated one of the buses for the poppy deliveries, as shown in the photo at the top of the page.
For more information, please contact Victoria Barrett 07 5600 0755 or at victoria.barrett@ableaustralia.org.au.