There’s always something interesting going on at retirement villages when Father’s Day comes around, but organising this year’s celebrations has been difficult (for obvious reasons).
That said, you can’t keep a good village down.
We’ve been impressed by some of the solutions we’ve seen in villages around the country.
The Outlook at Albany in Western Australia
If there’s one time of the year when Dad jokes are excused, it’s Father’s Day. 94-year-old retiree Stan Eastwood from The Outlook at Albany has joined 23 others in having his corny jokes printed in the ‘Book of Dad Jokes’ specifically produced and given to father-figures in retirement villages in WA and Queensland.
“This Father’s Day particularly, we wanted to bring some joy to our communities who like the rest of Australia have struggled through the challenging times of COVID-19 lockdowns, restrictions and social distancing,” said Rob Nichols, CEO of Serenitas which owns The Outlook.
“They may not make you laugh out loud, but Dad jokes always manage to elicit a wry smile and that’s exactly what we wanted to share with the much-loved father figures in our villages.”
So, what was the joke?
I used to have a job at a calendar factory but I got the sack because I took a couple of days off.
– Stan Eastwood, The Outlook at Albany
Ryman Healthcare splash the cash
Not to be outdone, Ryman Healthcare held a Father’s Day competition.
Contestants were encouraged to send a message detailing what they loved most about their Dad, and the winner, Amanda, won a $250 gift hamper.
Hopefully her father will get to see some of that!
Stockland Unity in South Australia
Another great example comes from Stockland’s Unity Retirement Village in South Australia.
93-year-old Alex Bates and his devoted daughter 69-year-old Jan Allen are making time to celebrate the important day, even if they can’t go all out.
The father-daughter duo live together at the Aberfoyle Park village and will be celebrating Father’s Day together along with other families members over lunch at home this year.
“It made sense for us to live together as I can help care for him as he gets older,” Jan said.
“He means everything to me, I couldn’t live life without him.
“I’ve put my life on hold for him and he appreciates everything I do for him.”
