Getting the word out in Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Parkinson’s NSW and 24 Support Groups undertook 33 activities to build awareness and raise funds in April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

This year the activities included information stands, craft stalls, quizzes, morning teas and lunches, a cocktail party and an awareness walk. Support materials including 15,000 quiz card drink coasters were distributed across NSW.

Griffith Support Group attracted 79 people to its Morning Coffee Fundraiser and raised more than $900.

“A lot of the guests commented that they didn’t realise how many people in Griffith are living with Parkinson’s,” said Group Leader Louisa Feltracco.

“I explained to them that the people here are the ones who come to our meetings but there are a lot more who are not ready to join us yet.”.

Nepean Blue Mountains Parkinson’s Support Group successfully reached out to local media. The local paper did a story on the Group and its monthly meetings, its picnic and dance class.

The craft stall of Newcastle Parkinson’s Support Group did well due to its location in the lobby of John Hunter Hospital. Members raised more than $600.

Similarly, Tomaree Support Group set up its information stall in a high traffic area – Salamander Bay shopping centre.

Meanwhile, Goulburn’s Shakin’ Cocktail Party attracted almost 300 people and featured a performance by the Spooky Men’s Chorale.

In Coffs Harbour, it was Parkinson’s quizzes that attracted attention. Coffs Harbour Support Group conducted the James Parkinson Games, pitting people living with Parkinson’s against the local Geriatric Medicine Team.

After a series of rounds answering questions about Parkinson’s symptoms and treatment, the team of people living with Parkinson’s scored a narrow win.