Planes, trains and automobiles. The Wishing Well program has had a busy few months supporting Uniting AgeWell’s residents and clients to realise their dreams on all kinds of transport.
Craig Johnston, from Newnham Community, Aldersgate Village in Launceston, loved life in the fast lane and wished to ride in a racing car. The Wishing Well program arranged for him to hit the Symmons Plains Race Track in February for some laps in a hotted up sports car.
Craig (pictured) grinned from ear to ear after Andrew Reader from Performance Auto and Brakes took him for a spin, giving Extended Care Worker Darren Hammersley a thumbs up after his ride.
At Sorell Community, Ningana, near Hobart, Ron Smith had a lifelong interest in trains and, until this year, had never been to Tasmania’s west coast.
The former railway worker dreamed to travel west to experience the West Coast Wilderness Railway – a historic steam train and popular tourist attraction that ascends steep mountains and journeys deep into the Tasmanian wilderness.
When the Wishing Well program heard of Ron’s aspiration, the team got to work – booking a three-day adventure for him and a friend, supported by Uniting AgeWell carer Dion Mead.
The trio rode the West Coast Wilderness Railway, the Rack and Gorge Tour, visited the Wall in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge and went sightseeing around Queenstown.
Ron said it was “very lovely – the whole lot of it”. He said he enjoyed every part of the journey and the company was “terrific”.
There are not sufficient words to describe what a wonderful three days we have had.
At Kings Meadows Community, Aldersgate, Dulcie Reeve had been wishing to fly in a helicopter for her 90th birthday. The Wishing Well program made it happen.
On the morning of Dulcie’s birthday, she was picked up by limousine, thanks to Rosevears Hotel, and taken to her chopper in style. With her daughter and granddaughter by her side, Dulcie got to experience life in the air, followed by a special lunch with her family.
The above activities are among more than 100 wishes granted since the Wishing Well program began four years ago.
The program is made possible through corporate sponsorships and participating teams at Uniting AgeWell’s Annual Charity Golf Day, as well as donors who contribute to the Wishing Well appeal.
For more information about the Wishing Well, or to donate, contact our Wish Coordinator on T: 9133 5012 or [email protected]
