Clients at St John of God’s Xavier Unit have heaped on the praise for the giving folk at Harvey Norman McGraths Hill.
Client and unit social committee member Jason Smith recently approached franchisee Brenton Crelley to see if the business could lend a hand in replacing the unit’s clapped out clothes dryer and busted CD player.
Mr Crelley, on behalf of his fellow franchisees Skye Donaldson, Luke Hallett and Chris Koloadin, said the team was happy to come to the party.
Mr Smith and fellow client, returned Vietnam veteran, Peter Lee, visited the store late last month to hand certificates of appreciation to the four.
The Xavier Ward at St John of God Hospital, North Richmond, was established in 1981 and assists with the treatment and care of clients diagnosed with Post Traumatic Street Disorder, major depressive disorders and related mental illnesses caused by exposure to traumatic events during their working lives.
Mr Smith is a retired NSW police sergeant.
“Clients are manly made up of Australian Defence Force members, from Vietnam to our current serving men and women,” Mr Smith said. “Also members of Police Force, Fire Services and Ambulance make up a large number of clients here.
“Clients come from all over Australia, from Perth to Darwin, and locally.
“Our Ward is quite different to the rest of the hospital, where we have support by many businesses locally and abroad in helping to maintain client’s activities and lifestyle while away from home when receiving treatment.”
Mr Smith said this meant the unit acquired items including sporting equipment, computers, reading material and art supplies.