Businesswoman’s Facebook page lights up lives of elderly
A LOVE for assisting the elderly is what inspired East London businesswoman Dianne Grassi’s Facebook page called Fun and Fundraising for the Elderly.
The page is an interactive space for East Londoners to brainstorm, host events and raise funds for charity.
The 46-year-old mother of three said a Christmas wish list e-mailed to her a couple of years ago had tugged at her heartstrings and compelled her to do more for the aged. “The email was from a local home for the elderly. It was such a basic list, asking for goods like soap, body lotion and a chocolate slab. This ate at me.”
Grassi said it gave birth to her idea of a Christmas lights extravaganza. For the past seven years, Grassi has decorated her Beacon Bay home with Christmas lights, adding a donation box for contributions to the elderly.
With the money raised she has bought goods and donated hampers to old age homes around the city.
As the years went by, Grassi wanted to grow her initiative and raise more funds, and two years ago she created the Facebook page.
“I wanted it to happen throughout the year and not just closer to Christmas. The desire grew to raise awareness for old age homes, as well as other centres needing help.”
The page has become an online tool for charity and awareness. Grassi believes she is merely a pathway to bring the community together.
“I’m not the local hero here. It’s the people on my page – those who donate their time, prizes, money and products, and share our cause and support the work we do.”
This year, Grassi has hosted two successful events for old age homes, the Miniature Fairy Garden Show in April and a Christmas-in-July day a few weeks ago. Through the funds raised she was able to donate clothes, books and basic items to shelters and other centres needing assistance.
“I am overwhelmed by the support. It makes me happy to see so many people willing to make a difference.”
She said she was always thinking of fun ways to raise money, and invited people to help her brainstorm.
“I focus on family fun. Those bubbling over with ideas are welcome to come on board and help me plan.”
Grassi said her soft spot for old people fuelled her passion for what she does. “I can’t give up on old people. The elderly get forgotten.
“An old lady I gave a hamper to burst out in tears and couldn’t stop hugging me. I found out that she hadn’t had a visitor in 15 years.”
She said she shied away from being known and allowed the work to do the talking for her.
“I’m not doing this because I want recognition but because I want to and I can. I will continue doing this for as long as I can.
“The difference it makes is worth it.” — DO YOU know a selfless person who goes the extra mile for the good of others, a local hero who makes something good out of nothing but a desire to improve the quality of life for the community. That’s the person we would like to meet! Please send your nomination with your local heroe’s name and contact number together with yours to: