By Amanda Murthy
Compassion in the community is flourishing in many ways during these troublesome times, and no more is it being acknowledged and witnessed than at Mercy Health’s Mercyville Hostel in Craigie this week.
A local 10-year-old girl has handwritten cards and made soaps with essential oils to give to dozens of aged care residents as a gesture of encouragement and appreciation.
The idea of handwriting letters came from Sorrento resident Summer McGregor, who spent days putting together the packages for the elderly residents.
Mercyville Service Manager Alison Devonport said upon receiving the gifts, the residents were overjoyed especially with the handwritten cards that were addressed to each of them personally.
“They are all eager to meet Summer to thank her for her kindness at some point in the future when it is safe to do so,” Ms Devonport said.
“The soaps have the most beautiful perfume, so our residents received the loveliest surprise when they opened them.
“Obviously it’s a very important time to make sure we keep all our residents safe and because of that the schoolchildren who visit our home every week are no longer able to do so, so receiving these beautiful handwritten notes from Summer was a real highlight in their day.
“We are very grateful for the efforts of both Summer and her mum for showing our seniors such thoughtfulness and kindness at this time,” she added.
Mercy Health is a Catholic not-for-profit provider of care, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and grounded in a 2000-year tradition of caring for those in need. In WA, the organisation cares for more than 300 people across six residential aged care homes, with an additional 78 retirement living units.