The Wagga community has banded together in a show of goodwill to help a grandmother in need, offering to help out with her home maintenance.
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Four residents contacted The Daily Advertiser after Wagga’s Charmaine Garrod, who suffers from ovarian cancer, revealed she had been fighting for help around the home for more than a year.
Johno Jones was one volunteer, who offered to help within hours of reading about Mrs Garrod’s journey.
Mr Jones said he would assist with gardening, cleaning and any maintenance that “he was capable of doing”.
“I’d like to volunteer my time to help this lady if she will accept my help,” Mr Jones said.
“The only cost to her would be for any materials or products that might be needed.”
Mrs Garrod was notified she had been approved for a high needs federal government home care package earlier this year, but help has yet to arrive.
The packages are aimed at helping the elderly live independently and remain at home for as long as possible.
A spokesperson for Australian Unity confirmed Mrs Garrod had sought to upgrade her home assistance, but claimed she turned down a level four package.
While Mrs Garrod has made countless phone calls for answers, she has been struggling to keep up with work around the home alongside her monthly chemotherapy.
Mr Jones said his offer was simply “part of the Australian culture”.
“It’s just how Aussies should be, everyone should help out where they can,” Mr Jones said.
Mrs Garrod said she was incredibly grateful for the various offers for help.
“I feel bad accepting help but I know I would be helping someone else if I could,” Mrs Garrod said.
“It is just lovely, I appreciate it so much. I will be giving them a call and thanking them.”
Mr Jones said it was time the community focused on looking after the elderly.
“I just felt it was important to help out the disadvantaged,” Mr Jones said.
“We give so much to refugees but we never seem to give help to these sorts of people.
“I figured if everyone could jump in and help out we could do some good.”