CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 43 - January 2022
WELCOMING OUR ADE CARERS Minchinbury ADE recently hosted their first carers event and it was a huge success. It was a great way to welcome some new faces to Afford’s carers program. Afford’s carers events are opportunities for families, friends and carers to come together to meet new people, share their experiences and be reminded that their hard work does not go unnoticed. We love hosting regular carers events and are excited to extend this support to the carers of our supported employees. “It was a great night. Everyone has been raving about it and they were so appreciative to Afford for hosting it,” said Business Manager Factories, Mariska Tribelhorn. Everyone met at Product of Italy restaurant in Minchinbury to enjoy the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. Mariska hosted the event to celebrate our strong, dedicated carers and encourage social connections. “I have always wanted to have a carers event for our ADE’s and with our new manager Renee Sinclair starting at Minchinbury factory, I thought this was the perfect opportunity. We are hoping to host more carers events for our other ADE’s this year,” continued Mariska. A highlight of the event was hearing fantastic feedback from the parents and carers about the Minchinbury factory. “One of the mothers was telling us that while living in Kings Langley, her daughter chose to commute to Minchinbury rather than work at a factory within walking distance of her home because of our great environment. That is a testament to what we do here at the factory. We are more than a job, we are a family,” said Mariska. Afford has four other ADE’s across NSW, including Ingleburn, Marrickville, Minto and Prestons. The teams are looking forward to hosting more carers events across the state in 2022, so stay tuned for more events coming your way.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS
Edition 43
Zlike us on facebookZ share your thoughts and ask other carers for advice Did you know Afford has a Facebook page dedicated to our carers? It’s your go to for connecting with other carers in the Afford community. Head over and give our page a like! www.facebook.com/AffordCarers
BBQ CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
This quick and easy dinner recipe is great for your busy weeknights. With chicken and a range of healthy greens, this is sure to be a favourite dish that is perfect for any time of the year. INGREDIENTS: • 250g bow-tie pasta •1 Coles/Woolworths roast chicken • 200g snow peas • 1 bunch asparagus (woody ends trimmed) • 1 cup (120g) frozen peas • 1 bunch baby broccoli • 1/2 cup (125ml) peri-peri lemon & herb marinade METHOD: 1. R emove skin and bones from roast chicken, then shred. 2. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet directions. 3. C ut the asparagus and baby broccoli into 5cm lengths and half the snow peas lengthways. 4. Add in the prepared snow pea, asparagus, peas and baby broccoli in the last 2 mins of cooking. 5. Refresh under cold water, drain well and transfer to a large bowl. 6. Add chicken to the pasta mixture and drizzle with marinade. Toss to combine. 7. Divide the pasta salad evenly among serving bowls. Recipe thanks to Taste: https://bit.ly/3ESGRHy
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 43
CELEBRATING OUR CANLEY VALE CARERS To celebrate the dedication and selflessness of our carers at the Canley Vale Day Program, Acting District Manager – Central East, SA & WA Day Programs, Stephanie Calaizis, organised a special carers dinner complete with gifts for our carers. The event was a great success and was made possible thanks to funding from the Community Development Grants Program of Fairfield City Council. “My carers were hit so hard in 2021 so I wanted to do something to celebrate the fact that we made it through the year, demonstrate the Afford Way and show some light amongst the darkness,” said Stephanie. Carers and families gathered for their dinner at Canley Vale Day Program in December. It was an excellent opportunity to relax, enjoy some delicious food. Each carer received a personalised gift bag with a range of pamper items such as hand creams and face masks, as well as a gift voucher for either The Body Shop, Laser Clinics Australia, or a local nail salon. “One of my carers told me she would not be able to make the dinner so when she came into the centre, I gave her the gift and told her that she deserves to be pampered. At first, she thought it was just chocolates but when she saw there was also a pamper voucher, she broke down and started sobbing,” continued Stephanie. The carer showed her gratitude by saying, “Thank you for looking after us. You are so thoughtful and always make sure we are ok.” “The families have been so thankful. It has been an amazing response. I wanted to do this so our families know that Afford is not just another business; we are here for them through it all. I always say actions speak louder than words and Afford stands true to that,” said Stephanie. Afford is grateful for the funding from Fairfield City Council that enabled us to spoil our carers and show them just how much they mean to the Afford family.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 43
check out these upcoming events Events give carers the opportunity to connect with each other and find support!
QLD EVENTS Event
DETAILS Cost: $49.00 – $105.53
30 Day By Australian School of Meditation Meditation & Yoga and/or Yoga Challenge This challenge is perfect for you if you’re looking Sat, to transform your life January 29, with meditation and/or 2022 yoga in a rewarding and supportive environment! 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM For more information: 2532 Gold https://bit.ly/3mXXDPE Coast Highway Mermaid Beach
NSW EVENTS Event
DETAILS Cost: FREE
Sydney Disability Connection Expo 2022
Afford is excited to present the Sydney Disability Connection Expo 2022!
Fri - Sat, Come and meet our February 4 friendly team. 5, 2022 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ICC Sydney
For more information: https://bit. ly/3JHwwSD
VIC EVENTS Event VALID Mon Wed, February 21 - 23, 2022 Various times and locations please click the link to view
DETAILS Cost: $25.00 – $40.00 Having a Say Conference - VALID! The Having a Say conference is the largest conference for people with disability within Australia where people can find their voice, to speak up, to be heard and to be respected. For more information: https://bit.ly/31u1wnY
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au