AS sunflower season ended for Michelle and Peter Singleton, their efforts to help the community bloomed.
The last open weekend of the year at the sunflower pick in Beverford was dedicated to Betty Anne Salau, a close family friend and longtime nurse in the community who died from ovarian cancer in December.
All profits from last weekend were donated to Swan Hill District Health Palliative Care Community Services and, with the help of Ms Salau’s family and local businesses, $1211 was raised.
Swan Hill District Health planning co-ordinator Merridee Taverna was very appreciative of the donation, as she helped care for Betty during her battle with cancer.
“The donation was very generous,” Ms Taverna said.
“Betty was a lovely lady, very caring and very gentle, and I’m sure she would have been proud of the outcome.”
Ms Taverna said the donation to go towards funding equipment needed to care for the patients.
“We look at what’s needed and what’s the best way to utilise the money so that it gives those under our service the support that they need,” she said.
Ms Salau’s daughter Annemaree Stacey said she and her family had been “overwhelmed” by the support.
Ms Stacey, who cared for Ms Salau in her last six months, decided to donate to palliative care for the support given to her mother and the rest of her family.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to do something for the community, and I know Mum would be proud of how much we raised,” she said.
SHDH chief executive Peter Abraham said donations like these helped relieve the demands of palliative care.
“There’s a great need around palliative care,” Mr Abraham said.
“Unfortunately the staff are getting busier and busier and they’re providing services to a big, wide community.
“We always need extra funding to support things like the purchase of equipment.”
