The Queensland branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is donating $3,000 to State MP for Greenslopes, Joe Kelly, for his efforts to raise money to help support those impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
Mr Kelly and his family have been raising funds through the Really Big Walk initiative (a 239km walk from Coolum to Brisbane), for Parkinson’s Queensland which has now raised over $60,000.
“We are thrilled to be able to assist Mr Kelly’s tremendous efforts to support Parkinson’s Queensland,” says the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch’s Acting President, Chris Owen.
“There is not a day that goes by where our community pharmacists are not working with someone in the community who this disease has impacted, so we are very pleased to play this part.
“With community pharmacies only 2.5km away from 97% of those in metro Queensland, and 65% in regional areas, pharmacists are often a key primary healthcare support for those with Parkinson’s and their carers.”
Mr Kelly says he was proud to have contributed to Parkinson’s Queensland, a cause close to him with both of his parents living with the disease.
“Community pharmacists have been integral to the care provided to my mum. The care and compassion they show to their patients is wonderful. I am so grateful for the support shown to Parkinson’s Queensland by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch. Their generous donation is greatly appreciated,” says Mr Kelly.
Miguel Diaz, Parkinson’s Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, says that the donation will help fund some of the vital work that Parkinson’s Queensland does to support as many as 18,500 Queenslanders living with the condition, for which there is no cure.
“Parkinson’s Queensland provides information, education and support to people impacted by Parkinson’s. The generous donation by The Pharmacy Guild to the Really Big Walk will see the total of funds raised exceed $65,000.”
“Parkinson’s Queensland receives no ongoing funding from the Queensland Government. Events like the Really Big Walk are crucial in allowing us to continue to provide much-needed support. People can donate by visiting parkinsonsqld.org.au and clicking on the Really Big Walk.”
