A SMART businesswoman with a community focus, the late Vass Mortimer often saw a need and sought to meet it.
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Nearly 12 years ago, she helped found Albury’s Community Crew, a group of six women who raise money for local causes.
Now the crew and her family have worked together to supply equipment to the Mercy palliative care unit, a project Mrs Mortimer identified while a patient there before her death last year.
Through fundraising, private donations and family contributions, the Community Crew raised about $40,000. The money has bought ceiling tracking and hoists for moving patients more easily from their beds and also a special portable recliner chair.
Fellow Community Crew founder Desney McGown said her friend realised the unit could do with more of this equipment.
“She said, ‘I want to make sure that we get this project happening, that is my wish’,” Mrs McGown said.
“So I went back to our crew and I said, ‘We’re going to make this happen for Vass’.
Mrs Mortimer’s daughter Kate Cann said her mother’s room had a hoist already and they had discussed its importance.
“So yes, she gave me instructions, ‘Talk to the right people, do all your homework’, so we started talking about it while she was still here,” Ms Cann said.
“And we did want to do something significant for the ward because they looked after Mum just so, so well.
“We hope these hoists and the mobile recliner will not only improve patient comfort, but make things easier for the staff as well.”
A presentation at the Mercy palliative care unit last week saw the completion of the project.
It included the unveiling of a plaque honouring Mrs Mortimer that described her as “an inspirational woman who touched the lives of so many”.
Mercy Health Albury operations manager Christine Arnold said the unit had been overwhelmed by Community Care’s generosity.
“We’ve now got more options with people who are very unwell, at the end stage of their life, they’re still able to participate with their families, it makes a huge difference,” she said. “They can be part of the world rather than being stuck in a bed.
“And I think it’s a wonderful tribute to Vass.
“It’s very hard sometimes, but it’s great that the family have wanted to honour her in the way they have.”
Mrs McGown said the presentation had been quite emotional.
“In all the years I’ve been volunteering in Albury ... this was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been involved in,” she said. “Just to know it was Vass’ wish and we made it happen.”
