THE campaign to fund a fire-sprinkler retrofit for Cooinda Court got a healthy injection this week.
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A donation from Junee IGA supermarket’s community chest has poured in $5320.67.
The appeal has now raised more than $60,000.
Cooinda Court – like many other community owned aged care facilities was forced to fund raise for a retrofit after the NSW government changed regulations requiring fire sprinklers be installed.
“We’re only a stand-alone facility and we’re not the only stand-along facility dealing with the change,” Cooinda Court’s management committee president Patricia Butler said.
For a small community-run facility the retrofit project is a financial disadvantage but the management committee had been pleased with how residents had supported it so far.
“It’s great to see local business supporting local community groups,” Mrs Butler said.
“They’ve supported so many local organisations by doing (the community chest).”
While the community chest donation from Cooinda Court has been the largest donation received so far, Mrs Butler said several businesses and residents had contributed to the cause.
“We’re dedicated to keeping this facility in community hands.”
Committee member June Jackson said the facility played an important role in caring for elderly residents.
“Before Cooinda opened there was few options where people could go for aged care in Junee … it helps keep them in the community they love,” she said.
Fellow committee member Roger Quine said the custodians of the facility were encouraged by the amount raised.
“Small towns like Junee need service which helped foster local employment,” Mr Quine said.
IGA store manager Shane Willis said all IGA-branded products and specially marked items contributed to the amount
“It runs all year and is an easy way to support the community,” he said.
Junee’s Scout Group, Town Band, Can Assist, Little Athletics and community centre have benefited from the community chest in years past.
More than $30,000 has been donated over the nine years.