In a nation celebrated for its community spirit and mateship, up to 40% of elderly people living in Australian aged care homes never receive a single visitor during their entire stay. This statistic inspired the creation of Connect the 40%, an uplifting program dedicated to bringing happiness to seniors through free gifts and experiences. Built on the idea of reconnecting people with kindness and care, the initiative encourages everyday Australians to spread cheer via its easy-to-use website.
At the core of Connect the 40% is an inspiring model: Generous members of the public visit the Connect the 40% website, explore profiles of seniors in aged care facilities, and buy personalised gifts or experiences tailored to their wishes. These profiles share heartwarming insights into residents’ lives, transforming numbers into touching personal stories. From a cosy blanket or a beloved book to an exciting outing, every gift arrives straight to the senior, creating bonds and sparking delight.
Jakob Neeland, who helps lead the program, shares the emotional challenges of isolation, especially during holidays. “Feelings of isolation and loneliness can fester within aged care homes throughout the year, but these feelings are amplified in the holiday season, with seniors who don’t receive visitors seeing many of their fellow residents receive visits from family and friends,” Neeland says.
He celebrates the simplicity and power of the requests: “Many of the gift requests that we receive are small and humble requests, but it is amazing just how big an impact receiving a gift can have for someone in this position.” Neeland also highlights the positive effects, adding, “Unfortunately, a lot of loneliness and feelings of isolation are accompanied by a feeling of a loss of self, and a personalised gift that speaks to that person as an individual helps to reinforce their individuality.”
Recently, Neeland personally fulfilled a resident’s dream request to visit the Dandenong Mountains. The pair enjoyed a wonderful day out in the Dandenong Ranges, taking in a lookout with stunning 360-degree panoramic views and stopping in Sassafras for fresh scones with jam and cream. Stories like this showcase the program’s ability to create memorable moments and lasting smiles.
The program is buzzing with excitement from a fresh media campaign designed to inspire more donations, particularly as Christmas draws near. It shone brightly on Sunrise Weekends, highlighting the initiative’s positive impact and calling for community support. In the coming days, Connect the 40% will feature on the beloved Australian TV show A Current Affair, spreading its joyful message even further and motivating Aussies to help seniors in need.
A key to the program’s thriving success is the steadfast support from Foxtel, its main sponsor for several years. Thanks to Foxtel’s kindness, Connect the 40% now runs all year long, reaching beyond holidays to brighten the days of hundreds of Australian seniors nationwide. This collaboration keeps the good vibes flowing, enabling more heartwarming connections and fun experiences.
With the festive season here, Neeland extends an enthusiastic invitation: “If you would like to make a difference in the life of a lonely or low-mood senior this Christmas, please visit www.connectthe40.com today.”
In a world where online links sometimes take centre stage, initiatives like Connect the 40% highlight the magic of giving. By linking communities with aged care residents, it delivers not just gifts, but renewed energy, happiness, and a warm sense of belonging to Australia’s cherished seniors.
What an incredible program. It just goes to show what ordinary people, who become extraordinary, can achieve with genuine care, deep insight and determination to assist the elderly and bring sunshine in their lives. Yet, on the other side of the coin, our Govt. with rivers of gold from its taxpayers, achieves NILand abject failure in any program they initiate particularly regarding our elders. SHAME on them for their disregard and incompetence and deepest respect and congratulations to Jakob Needland and all those involved with Connect the 40% who, by their own initiative and actions, clearly show that our seniors are cherished and valued.
What happens if the full value of the gift donated towards is not reached?
Surely it’s not just about gifts. When I saw the .com at the end of their domain name, I’m thinking there’s something commercial in it for the organisers. Volunteering is where it’s at. Regular volunteering.
I have used the extraordinary services of connect the 40% when I worked in an aged care home in Melbourne, we had many residents who never had visitors and they supplied a huge array of incredible gifts for them for Christmas, the joy that resulted was something words cannot express. For some it was their last Christmas, so very special indeed. Ive also worked with Tom from Foxtel in their generous program taking residents from our homes to the MCG to watch the AFL, these days were filled with so much excitement and spoiling they would talk about that day for long after, it meant the world to them. Thank goodness for programs like these to bring joy to those that deserve it most. This article bought tears to my eyes recalling wonderful moment I witnessed thanks to Connect the 40%.