Lifeview residents and staff again helped turn St Kilda’s famed Fitzroy St into a sea of colour and solidarity at the annual Midsumma Pride March on Sunday.
The residents and staff joined the festivities, forming a vibrant moving rainbow of colour in bright t-shirts adorned with Lifeview’s 2024 Pride slogan: “I’ve got Pride, it’s Multiplying”.
“It’s always such an amazing day and the residents and staff really enjoy attending,” Lifeview CEO Samantha Jewell said.
A sweltering weather forecast saw some residents elect not to attend at the last minute, however, those that did were determined to celebrate the day rain, hail, or shine.
“The residents tell us that this is a very special day for them, and we’ll always ensure they have the choice to attend if they wish,” Jewell said.
“They enthusiastically wave and engage with the crowd as they ride on the golf buggy. Seeing the residents shows the crowd that there are older LGBTIQ+ people and allies living in aged care and that there are safe options for the community as they age.
“This is extremely important and is the major driving factor behind the establishment of our new LGBTIQ+ residential aged care home in Prahran, Lifeview Marigold, which we hope to begin constructing late this year.”
Lifeview residents and staff have taken part in every Pride March since 2017.
“We are a proud Rainbow Tick accredited organisation, and we are also proud to be a Foundation Partner of the Victorian Pride Centre,” Jewell said.
“We are passionate about standing with and supporting LGBTIQ+ communities and it was great to have so many of our team on hand on Sunday.”
Resident Corry, 67, from Lifeview Willow Wood, was thrilled to attend.
“I had so much fun,” she said.
“I love this day every year.
“We meet so many people from the communities and we acknowledge them by waving and blowing kisses. It is very special.”
Resident Anne from Lifeview’s The Willows was similarly enthusiastic.
“I’m 96 and I try and do the march every year,” she told 9News Melbourne.
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About Lifeview
Lifeview delivers innovative, award-winning care and wellness through four homes in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. With a model that is a world away from the “traditional nursing home model”, Lifeview residents are afforded an industry-leading social and lifestyle program, exceptional care and wellness, and delicious and nutritious meals prepared by qualified chefs. Lifeview is proudly pet-friendly, with residents encouraged to bring their beloved pets into the home when they join the community. As a proudly Rainbow Tick accredited organisation, Lifeview is inclusive and welcoming. Learn more about the Lifeview difference at www.lifeview.com.au
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Media enquiries: cwinnell@lifeview.com.au