The Queensland Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, announced today it was donating $3,000 to State MP for Greenslopes, Joe Kelly’s, efforts to raise money to help support those impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
Mr. Kelly and members of his family have active in raising funds through the Really Big Walk initiative (a 239km walk from Coolum to Brisbane), which has now raised over $60,000 for Parkinson’s Queensland.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australian, Queensland Branch’s Acting President, Chris Owen, said the Branch was delighted to be supporting Mr. Kelly’s efforts to raise funds to support those impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
“We are thrilled to be able to assist Mr. Kelly’s tremendous efforts to support Parkinson’s Queensland,” said Mr. 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.”
Joe Kelly MP, Deputy Speaker and Member for Greenslopes, said he was proud to have contributed to Parkinson’s Queensland, a cause close to him with both of his parent’s 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.”
Mr. Miguel Diaz, Parkinson’s Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, said 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 on-going 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.”
Mr. Owen congratulated Mr. Kelly and Mr. Diaz for their efforts to support those impacted by Parkinson’s disease. “Both Mr. Kelly and Mr. Diaz should be commended for their efforts here,” said Mr. Owen, “The money that has been raised will go a long way to making a real difference to those who have been impacted by Parkinson’s.”
Donations to the Really Big Walk can still be made by visiting this-is-parkinsons.raisely.com/donate.
