A buzz of excitement filled St Joseph Aged Care in Hunters Hill as six residents were waiting to have a Win a Wish fine dining experience at the famous Doyles seafood restaurant at Watsons Bay.
Lunch at Doyles was part of a Win A Wish Competition, run by Catholic Healthcare to celebrate its 25th anniversary year. Twenty five residents and clients across all Catholic Healthcare’s services had the opportunity for one of their wishes to come true.
When Pastoral Care Coordinator, Sister Ann, heard about the competition she didn’t hesitate to apply. She saw Sister Margaret, wrote down her wish and decorated it with pretty colours and fish motifs so that it would come to the selection panel’s attention. The rest is history.
Why Doyles? “It’s iconic, salubrious, has a great reputation with a beautiful view and we wanted to be pampered,” says Sister Ann. “Only the best for us,” she adds.
After a weekend of heavy rain, the day for Doyles was splendid with plenty of blue sky and warm winter sun. “God wants us to be out on this glorious day,” says Sister Margaret.
Lucky residents, Sister Margaret, Aileen, Maggie, Margaret, Joan and Ivy, along with Recreational Activities Officer, Zahra and Sister Ann were bursting with enthusiasm and ready well before kick off. “We are so excited that we feel like giddy school children,” says Sister Margaret.
“There was also excitement amongst the staff, families and other residents at St Joseph. A community spirit has embraced the home with everyone happy for the wish winners,” says Zahra.
“We have high expectations for today. We want it to be a fun day. We want to have a nice time together. We all like fish and chips and are keen to taste the cuisine of Doyles,” says Sister Ann.
At last when it was time to leave, to everybody’s delight, a white stretch hummer was waiting to chauffer them to the foreshores of Watsons Bay. “I think we’ve made it to the A list,” says Maggie.
Inside the hummer there was lots of laughter and chatter. To celebrate the occasion a bottle of champagne was opened and a toast made to Catholic Healthcare.
The residents felt like celebrities. “I feel wonderful. I could get used to riding in this hummer,” says Sister Margaret.
“It’s a pity no-one can see me inside the hummer. People are saying … I wonder who’s in that hummer? Little do they know it is a group of senior ladies from St Joseph Hunters Hill,” laughs Sister Ann.
At the entrance of Doyles they were delighted to see the local pelican strutting around the boardwalk. With the best seats in the house the residents enjoyed the spectacular views overlooking the magnificent panorama of Sydney Harbour. Signature seafood platters were then served for lunch followed by a delicious cheesecake for dessert.
Everyone continued to be in high spirits on the way home.
It was a truly memorable day for the residents of St Joseph who were very grateful. “Thank you, Catholic Healthcare. You made us very very happy and we will never forget this magical day.”
A wonderful, inspiring day that magnifies the importance of the impact Catholic Healthcare has for its residents in their senior years!