Radius Baycare resident Lorraine Farely (from left) and activities coordinator Nikki Voakes say Bowling for Brains is a great event fundraising for important research.
Radius Baycare resident Lorraine Farely (from left) and activities coordinator Nikki Voakes say Bowling for Brains is a great event fundraising for important research.
A Bay of Islands rest home held a fun day of games, food and music, all in the name of good brain health.
Radius Baycare in Haruru Falls held a Bowling for Brains event on Saturday raising more than $450 for the Neurological Foundation.
Activities coordinator Nikki Voakes said shedecided to organise the event after hearing one in three New Zealanders were affected by a neurological condition, such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease or a brain injury.
Research funded by the Neurological Foundation will look into causes and possible cures, she said.
Radius Baycare resident Lorraine Farely helped run the event, knowing the importance of brain health after suffering a stroke that has left her needing a wheelchair.
She thought the Bowling for Brains event was a great idea to support important research.
“There’s so many people out there with different brain issues, it’s nice to be able to fund them [the Neurological Foundation] to help pinpoint where in your brain you’ve actually been hit.”
The Neurological Foundation ran Bowling for Brains nationwide for the first time this year, during March’s brain health awareness month.
More than 20 retirement villages across New Zealand took part, including Northland’s Radius Baycare and Radius Rimu Park in Whangārei, said foundation spokeswoman Kerry McLeod.
The funds will help neuroscientists gain a deeper understanding of the complex causes of neurological conditions, make groundbreaking discoveries for treatment and prevention, and discover ways to support brain health, she said.
Radius Baycare resident Gladys Sanderman (from left) and volunteer Prue Hyslop have fun with a noodle fishing game, as part of the Bowling for Brains event on Saturday.
The foundation was grateful for all the support, McLeod said.
“Not only are they raising funds for life‑changing research and education into neurological conditions, they’re also being active and social – two things that are known to help prevent or delay diseases like dementia.”
While other events around the country centred on lawn bowls, Voakes decided to expand the activities at Radius Baycare so more people of all abilities could take part.
The games included noodle fishing, ping pong, croquet, petanque, foosball, and snakes & ladders, played by around 30 residents and their family members.
Participants then enjoyed a morning tea and were entertained by a 25-strong choir called Musical Melody Makers, led by Barbara Meyer.
A raffle, supported by many Paihia businesses, helped raise $465, with donations still being accepted online.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
