Helping hands: Grovedale’s Andrew Carroll, middle, who lost the use of his arm in a 2006 trail bike accident, with the McKellar Centre’s Debbie Verikios and Kerry O’Sullivan.
DRIVING well will have special meaning for players at a charity golf day to help the region’s peak rehabilitation and aged care facility.
The 2012 Geelong Independent McKellar Centre Charity Golf Day will raise money for the facility to buy equipment to help rehabilitate road accident victims.
Centre occupational therapist Debbie Verikios said the upper limb evaluation kit would be the first of its kind in Victoria.
The kit helped patients improve hand co-ordination and function to overcome disabilities “as severe as being unable to pick up a cup or knife”, she said.
The McKellar Centre lack of a kit meant patients had to wait for deliveries of similar equipment when not in use at health care facilities New South Wales.
“Patients may have to wait up to six or eight weeks before being assessed on the system.”
The equipment can also help rehabilitate stroke victims.
Independent managing editor Tony Galpin called for entries to help reach the fundraising target.
“This year’s golf day is especially important to the McKellar Centre and its patients,” Mr Galpin said.
“I urge keen golfers and anyone concerned about achieving the best possible treatment for local road accident victims to enter now for the golf day. It will be another great event for a worthy cause.”
The golf day will feature an Ambrose competition beginning with a shotgun start at 8am on March 30 at 13th Beach golf course.
Players will enjoy 18 holes of competition before a luncheon and charity auction in the 13th Beach clubhouse.
Opportunities for local businesses to be involved with the event through various sponsorships are available.
Mr Galpin said teams of four and prospective sponsors should contact the centre’s Kerry O’Sullivan by phoning 5279 2222 or emailing kerryo@barwonhealth.org.au.
