Community spirit shines at The Barn as over 90 supporters rally behind Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy.
The Barn on Flaxton was buzzing with energy on the afternoon of Sunday 10th August, as approximately 90 community members gathered for the annual Fundraising Celebration for Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy (RHPT), raising an outstanding $10,000+ for this vital local charity.
A Day of Inspiration and Community Spirit
The afternoon opened with Mayor Rosanna Natoli delivering the address, following an introduction by Scott, one of the RHPT Amigos who MC’d the event alongside Christian, a member of RHPT’s weekly speech group. Mayor Natoli shared her enthusiasm for having this unique charity based on the Sunshine Coast, highlighting that RHPT is the only charity of its kind in Australia.
The event’s most moving moments came during testimonials from RHPT SPEAK OUT!® graduates, who shared powerful stories about how the 12-week intensive speech therapy program had transformed their lives. Lloyd was among those who spoke, describing the profound difference the therapy had made for him and others living with Parkinson’s.
Adding to the uplifting atmosphere, the Choir of Sound INTENT brought joy and energy to the gathering with rousing performances of “Waltzing Matilda” and “A Tribute to a Boy from Oz,” led by choir director Paula. The audience was invited to join in, creating a truly inclusive and celebratory mood.
Generous Community Support Drives Record Success
Local businesses rallied behind the cause with significant donations. Fruity LIFE contributed both a $100 fruit tray for the raffle and a $100 voucher for the auction, while The Barn on Flaxton showed exceptional generosity by donating all the coffee and cake for the event, as well as contributing a hamper to the auction. This generous gesture meant that all entry fees became direct financial donations to the charity.
Other local businesses showing their support included QCCC Mapleton, Lindner Family Pharmacy, Secrets on the Lake, and the Mapleton Post Office, all contributing prizes and donations to help make the day a success.
The auction highlights were undoubtedly the Benevolent Bears, handcrafted by bear artist Lorraine Dippelsmann. These special bears sold for record prices, marking the sixth consecutive year that Lorraine has created and donated a Benevolent Bear collection for RHPT.
Raffles, sales, and the donated refreshments all contributed to the impressive final total of over $10,000.
The Vital Work Behind the Celebration
The funds raised will directly support RHPT’s mission to provide free, evidence-based speech therapy to people living with Parkinson’s disease – addressing a critical community need as Parkinson’s Disease becomes the fastest growing neurological condition worldwide, with 50 Australians diagnosed every day.
For many people living with Parkinson’s, changes in speech, voice and swallowing are among the most challenging aspects of the disease. RHPT members have shared experiences of family and friends struggling to understand them due to mumbling, quietness and loss of intonation. Many didn’t even realise the change was occurring, thinking it was their family members who had developed hearing problems.
Transforming Lives Through Evidence-Based Therapy
The SPEAK OUT!® Program offered through RHPT has been delivering remarkable results for participants. Following the intensive 12-week program, transformations have been profound:
Michael reflected that he is “a new man,” while Kevin says the program “has helped me be heard and understood.” Arthur shared that he saw a measurable difference between before and after the program, stating: “I have intent. I am in control of my voice, my swallowing and my breathing.”
As RHPT speech pathologist Louise Williams emphasises, “Parkinson’s does not take a holiday, so neither should therapy.” Following the intensive program, RHPT patients are offered ongoing support through weekly speech and singing groups, including the Choir of Sound INTENT.
The weekly groups provide more than just therapeutic benefit – they create lasting connections. For Arthur, “The Parkinson’s therapy groups have become a support group. They’re my friends.”
Thanks to donations and fundraising efforts like yesterday’s celebration, RHPT has been able to continue offering these vital groups free of charge to all patients.
Exciting Future Plans
This year brings exciting developments for RHPT, as they have been given the opportunity to move into the former Kawana Family Centre in Buddina. The charity has ambitious plans to transform the facility into a purpose-built therapy and community hub.
The organisation is currently seeking grants and raising funds for essential remodelling work, including upgrading toilets to meet PWD (People with Disability) standards and creating stable flooring throughout the facility. Yesterday’s fundraising success brings them closer to this goal.
About Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy
Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy is a Not-For-Profit registered charity based on the Sunshine Coast that works proactively to enhance the wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s. The charity provides evidence-based speech therapy programs, including the SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program, to address speech, voice, swallowing and cognitive deficits associated with Parkinson’s disease.
For more information about RHPT’s services or to support their work, visit rhptherapy.org.au or follow them on Facebook.
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