And it’ dedicated volunteer, Karen Wilkins-Brazil who calls the game.
Six years ago, Karen moved to Yarrawonga determined to pay forward the treatment others had given her mother, who spent her final years in aged care after suffering a stroke.
Karen said the volunteers who helped her mother inspired her to do the same for someone else.
“The volunteers filled holes the staff couldn’t,” she said.
“Seeing what they did there made me think how wonderful they were.
“When mum passed away, I wanted to pay it forward for what the people did for my mum.”
Karana provides residential care for people with complex health needs, who are not able to live independently in the community.
On special occasions, Karen’s husband and guitarist Les, comes into Karana to perform a variety of songs for all to enjoy.
Everybody is up and about on a Wednesday for a game of bingo, where snacks are the prizes and everyone comes together for a laugh and companionship.
Karen said how rewarding voluntary work is, especially when it involves giving back to the elderly.
“Bingo makes life for the residents a little more enjoyable each day,” she said.
“We forget in life that our elders, who came before us, need us to show care for them.
“I don't call it a nursing home, it's a care home.
“People are intimidated by older people, I love them. You find fabulous stories about them in their lives.”
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