ParKanDo, a grassroots support group for people impacted by Parkinson’s, has won the grassroots volunteering award in the state governments 2023 Volunteering Awards.
On Tuesday, February 27, ParKanDo members Carmel Wall, Peter Wall, Mimi Morgan and Pam West accepted the award at a ceremony at Government House hosted by the Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner.
The state government said this award celebrates small community-led organisations that have played pivotal roles in providing essential local services, driving positive change, and fostering social and community cohesion.
Co-founder Peter Wall said the group are feeling very humbled and very pleased.
“When you look at the calibre of the other finalists, they are all richly deserving of the award,” he said. “We were really happy that we were chosen, it is wonderful.”
Mr Wall said ParKanDo has emerged as a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s in the west.
Founded in February 2020, ParKanDo offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its participants.
These include emotional and social support programs, educational seminars and information-sharing sessions.
Mr Wall said this award has given ParKanDo the inspiration to keep going onto bigger and better things.
“The biggest thing is just getting the word out and advocacy,” he said.
“It’s not just advocacy for ParKanDo, it’s advocacy for Fight Parkinson’s Victoria because Parkinson’s is now the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
“There are a number of other worthy causes, but again we are trying to keep the name or the condition of Parkinson’s out there and spread the information about Parkinson’s and what’s available to people once they get the diagnosis.”
Jennifer Pittorino
