Launch of Silver Chain Nursing Ass'n's fundraising campaign

27/5/97

Health Minister Kevin Prince today launched Silver Chain Nursing Association's new fundraising campaign by planting a specially developed daisy in the gardens at Burswood.

The small blue and yellow Silver Chain daisy will be distributed through Grobrite nurseries in Western Australia in a bid to raise additional funds for the organisation.

"It is extremely appropriate that Silver Chain use the daisy as a fundraising tool because flowers have been strongly associated with the organisation since its inception in 1905," Mr Prince said.

"Between 1951 and 1957 the streets of Perth came alive on one day in September when the Silver Chain organised what became know as National Flower Days - store windows were filled with spectacular flower displays and street collectors were out in force in the city raising funds for the organisation."

Mr Prince said Silver Chain had served the Western Australian community for more than 90 years and it services were highly valued.

"Silver Chain is now the largest provider of community health services in WA and caters for people of all ages," he said.

"Not only do Silver Chain staff meet the needs and changing demands of an ageing population but they also provide care to young children in schools, as well as offer residential care, respite, grief support and palliative care services.

"All these services, provided by 2,900 staff and volunteers State-wide, in conjunction with other health professionals and agencies, continue to meet the rapidly changing needs of Western Australians."

Mr Prince said that while the State Government would contribute about $28.5 million to Silver Chain this financial year, it continued to rely on financial support from the community.

"The Silver Chain daisy aims to increase public awareness of the organisation which is still growing to meet the health needs of current and future generations in this State," he said.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9221 1377