Dubbo community worker Mitch Evans is really going above and beyond for a cause he is passionate about.
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The 23-year-old former Dubbo College student will take part in a seven-day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for Alzheimer’s Australia.
Mitch’s commitment to his clients is special. As a community worker with Catholic Community Services in Dubbo he provides a day respite care service for people suffering dementia, but who are still living at home.
He said it was that relationship with clients, such as 84-year-old Della Antonievich, that had inspired him to take part in the fundraiser, along with 13 other Australians.
“I never expected to work in this field when I left Dubbo College in 2011, but I really love it and I get so much out of spending time with clients every day,” he said.
“Each week I work with seven clients, picking them up from home and taking them for an outing, which usually includes a visit somewhere like the Japanese Gardens,” he said. “Quite often we go to community events and share morning or afternoon tea together.”
Mitch, who is following a fitness program to prepare for the Kilimanjaro climb, has set himself a target of $2500 to raise for Alzheimer’s Australia and he already has $2000 in donations thanks to the generosity of Dubbo businesses and individuals.
Della has become especially fond of her carer and can often be found serenading Mitch with the beautiful Maori folk song Pokarekare Ana in the grounds of the Dubbo Japanese Gardens.
“We chat about all sorts of things and it gives me a chance to get to know them and the memories they have been able to hold on to,” Mitch said.
“Della, for example, spent her youth in New Zealand and that’s why she loves to sing the Maori songs.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to Mitch’s expedition can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MitchEvansAfrica.
He will also host sausage sizzle fundraiser at Aldi Supermarket on September 24, with thanks to Aldi and Sainsbury Automotive.
Little Darling Café will also host a fundraising high tea on August 28.