Starting in August, Simplicity Funerals Bayswater’s (VIC) branch manager, Renee Gilmore, will launch a monthly silent art auction as a fundraising initiative for local nursing, Mercy Place Montrose.
As a volunteer for the Red Cross, Renee provides companionship to residents of Tullamore Nursing Home and Hostel who don’t receive regular visits from family. “I quickly learned that residents can easily become lonely and depressed if they don’t have family nearby. The risk of them feeling cut-off is even higher if they have mobility problems,” she says.
To address the isolation issue, the home’s volunteer support group intends to put all funds raised from the art auctions towards a wheelchair accessible bus or bus hire.
To see sneak-peeks of upcoming auction items, which have all been generously donated by local artists, become a fan of the ‘Art Auction for Mercy Place Montrose’ Facebook page.
This month’s item is currently on display at the branch at 28 Station Street, Bayswater (VIC), where it will stay until sold to the highest bidder.
Bids can be made from now until 31 August by phone on (03) 9729 9349, in person at the Bayswater branch (between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday), or by emailing Renee at rgilmore@simplicityfunerals.com.au