Aboriginal Community Services helps care for over 800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in Adelaide and regional South Australia. We aim to support and enable all Elders to have a jolly Christmas season – so when local community group Adelaide Books and Coffee contacted us with dozens of curated gift-bags, it did not go unappreciated.
Kira started Adelaide Books and Coffee as a Facebook group, who now meet once a month to discuss books, and as she puts it, “have a good gossip.” It seems, however, the group – that has grown to 600 members online – is doing a lot more than just gossiping, and have instead been building goody bags to make our Elders’ Christmases that little bit merrier. Kira explains that she thinks it’s,
“…important we support our First Nations Elders so that their traditions and stories can continue for all of Australians to hear and continue.”
Kira wanted to give something this year to people that would appreciate it, and saw seniors as a great option, especially those in aged care facilities, where Elders without a lot of family can begin to feel isolated. Each book club member purchased items including skincare products, socks, find-a-word and colouring books, stationary, lollies and chocolates to put in the goody bags.
Kira visited the Aboriginal Elders Village in Davoren Park to gift the goody bags to residents. AEV staff say that residents were delighted and appreciative of the Christmas surprise! Engagement from the general community and interest in what we do at Aboriginal Community Services is very special and we incredibly thankful to those like Kira and the Adelaide Coffee and Books Club who recognise the importance of supporting Elders.
Interested in learning more about how Aboriginal Community Services supports First Nations Elders in South Australia? Click here to read more.
