Orange local Robyn Colley is saying thank you to Ascott Gardens in 51 ways. Sadly, Robyn’s mother Wilga Morgan, passed away in March after calling Ascott Gardens home for eight months.

In that time the staff and the residents seem to have truly made a big impact on both Wilga and Robyn’s life. “They are just so professional and kind, not only to Mum, to me and everyone,” said Robyn.

“I wanted to do something nice for everyone to show my appreciation, so, I have been making these little dressed bunny dolls, and crocheted bunnies/chickens.” All 51 …  will be given out to staff and will surprise each resident by sitting on their tables for their Good Friday lunch.

“Johannes and his team are great, I just can’t thank his team enough. It is a challenge, and I know that because Mum lived with me for five years, and they meet that challenge with smiling faces and positive attitudes each day.”

“I really got to know and enjoy the company of a lot of the residents here and I got a lot of my inspiration for these bunnies, including their outfits from the other residents. They tell me their little life stories and it inspires me. A resident, Lorna, for example was so proud to tell me about how she used to make wedding gowns, so her little bunny has a beautiful little wedding dress on. When I’m sitting with them at bingo, I find out all of these little things, and she’s the sort of lady who is really going to appreciate that.”

Whilst some of the material the bunnies are made out of came from what residents at Ascott were no longer using, Robyn used a lot of the material that her mother had to make them. “It’s been a little bit of therapy I suppose, you could say for me it feels good saying thank you and giving back. I think some of the residents may be a little overwhelmed when they receive their bunny, though they will really appreciate it.”

“Mum was heavily involved with the ‘Friends Assisting the Community’ group for nearly 30 years. She was just so happy if she had needles or a crochet hook in her hand or she was sitting behind the machine, she was in heaven if she was doing something like that, so I’d say I got the skills from her as well, I do a lot of craft work and I have also joined the group.”

Robyn continues to visit Ascott Gardens and volunteers whenever she can. “I like to keep in touch with staff and the residents seem to enjoy me coming over to visit. I’m glad I can do something special for the residents to say thank you, Happy Easter and give them a little something to remember Mum by.”