The donation will contribute towards a larger fundraising goal

The group presented $1500 to the health service’s community liaison officer, Jodie Holwell recently, which will go towards a much needed upgrade of the dialysis chairs.

Of the $1500 donation, $500 came from funds raised through the group’s dance classes and $1000 came from the group’s monthly charity dance, both of which are run by Jean and Keith McCready. 

The unit currently has six chairs which Ms Holwell said are in need of replacement.

“The money is to go to the dialysis unit and the replacement of the aging treatment chairs. They are getting quite old and the new ones will be more comfortable,” she said.

“Dialysis patients have to sit in them for about four to five hours every second day. They can’t move once they are in the chairs.”

Ms Holwell also said the updated chairs can be raised, lowered and reclined for patient comfort, and will make life easier for the staff as they will be easier to maneuver around.

The donation forms part of a larger fundraising project as the chairs cost just under $6000 each.

“What’s happening is our East Grampians Health Services Auxiliary and our Murray to Moyne cycle teams are joining forces over the next year to raise the money to replace the chairs,” Ms Holwell said.

Murray to Moyne is a cycling relay event in which teams raise funds for their chosen health services.

Ms Holwell hopes that the combination of fundraising from cyclists, Ararat Charity Dance and the hospital auxiliary will help them achieve the necessary funds to replace the chairs.  

“We’re hoping that by the end of the next 18 months we’ll hopefully have raised enough money to replace them all,” she said.