Local Generosity Brings Everyday Joy to Residents

Pictured above (left to right): Lana is passionate about ‘giving back’ and supporting local, not-for-profit organisations. Pictured here with Louisa Bennett, Enrolled Nurse at Peace Haven.

Across Respect, so many of our homes were built on a proud history of philanthropic and community support, and we continue to owe tremendous gratitude to the generosity displayed by our supporters and patrons. 

One of these generous individuals is Lana, who is a resident of our northern retirement villages. We’re proud to have Lana as part of our Respect family, as well as her husband, Donald, who currently receives care at our Peace Haven aged care home in Norwood, Tasmania. 

Every day Lana visits the home to be with her husband – she is very much part of the fabric at Peace Haven. And her ongoing altruism is also having an immense impact on the lives of the home’s residents. 

While Lana’s support has previously been used to purchase much-needed clinical equipment, most recently, her significant donation was used to acquire entertainment items for residents to enjoy. This included several TVs, tablets, DVD and CD players, and even a coffee machine to support residents’ regular ‘coffee club’ social catchups. 

For Lana, who moved to Tasmania in 1971 from her native America, ‘giving back’ and supporting the local community were core values of her upbringing.  

“I believe in supporting not-for-profits and that especially drew me to donate to Peace Haven,” she says. “I think they do an amazing job with the care they provide, and I’m glad I can do my bit to help bring some smiles to residents’ faces.” 

Respect remains proudly connected with our philanthropic roots. It is the lifeblood our organisation and we continue to honour the great tradition and history of each of our homes built and developed through significant community generosity and the kindness of those willing to donate both money and time.  

It started over a century ago, when Barbara Barnett started St Ann’s, one of the first aged care homes in Australia. With just 10 pounds in her pocket and not enough blankets to go around the first night she opened her doors to the elderly people of Hobart, many of whom were in dire need.  

But through the sheer determination of countless volunteers hoping to instigate positive change and the generosity of the local community, St Ann’s grew and evolved over the years to be one of the finest homes in the country.  

The same philanthropic spirit is today exhibited by so many across our Respect network and family – from our kind donors, generous bequestors and dedicated volunteers. 

With the season of giving upon us, there are opportunities to support our care services, across the country. To find about more about how you can support our work – whether through a donation of time, a financial contribution, or a bequest – please go to respect.com.au/donations-and-bequests.