This Christmas all proceeds from gift wrapping at Sylvia Park and Lynn Mall will be going to Dementia Auckland, however they desperately need some extra pair of hands to do the wrapping!

Dementia Auckland are calling for volunteers at both malls, but especially at Sylvia Park in the final busy week right before Christmas from 17th to 24th December.

There are currently 16,000 people with dementia in the greater Auckland region – and this is expected to double over the next 15 to 20 years.

Dementia is a progressive condition for which there is no cure, so from the initial diagnosis through to residential care and beyond, Dementia Auckland does their best to provide any assistance they can, as the only free support service to those living with Dementia in Auckland.

“We are very grateful to our volunteers and supporters, however we’re currently facing a shortage of both people and resources to be able to provide help we’re it’s needed most for the growing demand we’re facing in Auckland,” said Paul Sullivan, Chief Executive of Dementia Auckland.

“It costs Dementia Auckland $600 to support one person with dementia for a year and less than half of their costs are covered by government funding,” he said.

“This is why fundraising initiatives such as Christmas wrapping at Sylvia Park and Lynn Mall are crucial to help continue our efforts all year round – and why it’s so critical to get as many volunteers on board as possible this Christmas.”

For more information or to volunteer to be a gift wrapper at Sylvia Park and Lynn Mall this December, call 09-551-8758 or email Olivia@Dementiaauckland.org.nz

© Scoop Media