Achievements Surpassed in Parkinson's Fundraiser
In May 2021, Parkinson's NSW orchestrated the Step Up for Parkinson's fundraising campaign, inviting participants to engage in physical activities and raise funds for the Parkinson's community. The approach was flexible, allowing individuals to set personal goals and activities, such as daily outdoor exercises, symbolizing their commitment to the cause.
Over the course of the month, $125,135 was collected to fund services for the Parkinson's community in NSW. A total of 241 individuals participated, attracting 1,634 donations. Several support groups entered as teams, with Chatswood emerging as the highest fundraiser, securing a $500 gift card.
Remarkably, various support groups participated, including Chatswood, which raised $2,052, Blacktown with $1,870, Port Macquarie with $448, St George Sutherland with $347, Calvary Kogarah with $53, and Newcastle with an equal contribution of $53.
The campaign also featured a digital 'Honour Wall,' allowing participants to share their motivations behind participating. Personally touching stories included tributes to loved ones affected by Parkinson's, affirmations to support present and future sufferers, and even the participation of pets in fundraising efforts.
In one example, Wilma expressed her involvement in memory of her husband recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. Mick dedicated his participation to his father, his father's brother, and other family members and acquaintances who had Parkinson's, hoping for a brighter outlook for future sufferers. Therese, accompanied by a 7-week-old miniature foxy, raised funds to support Parkinson's NSW, as the funds contributed would help people with Parkinson's live fulfilling lives. Jean joined the campaign in memory of her late mother.
The spirit of the 2021 Step Up for Parkinson's campaign was community-oriented, reflecting personal and emotional motivations rooted in individual experiences with Parkinson's disease. The fundraiser served as a meaningful avenue for those living with Parkinson’s and their supporters to improve their own health while raising vital funds and fostering awareness.
Parkinson's NSW looks forward to continuing this cycle in 2023, inviting the community to support the cause through exercise challenges and fundraising efforts during May. The organization's ongoing activities encompass community support, exercise programs, advocacy, and raising awareness during Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April.
- Support groups, such as Chatswood, Blacktown, Port Macquarie, St George Sutherland, Calvary Kogarah, and Newcastle, had joined forces to raise funds for Parkinson's community in NSW, using the Step Up for Parkinson's campaign as a platform toshare their personal connections to the disease.
- The health-and-wellness aspect of the Step Up for Parkinson's campaign had extended beyond physical activities, with some participants integrating mental health, nutrition, and even fitness-and-exercise practices for their personal goals.
- As the full scope of the 2021 Step Up for Parkinson's campaign was realized, it was evident that science would play a crucial role in the organization's ongoing initiatives, as champions like Wilma, Mick, Therese, and Jean dedicated their efforts to research and awareness, hoping for a future where mental and physical wellbeing intersect with medical breakthroughs for a brighter tomorrow.
