Vivability has joined with a statewide charity organisation to raise funds and awareness for people impacted by Huntington's disease [HD] and their families.
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Throughout September, the disability service provider will be taking part in 'Walk 4 Hope', an annual fundraiser organised by Huntington's NSW ACT to promote awareness and bolster support for families affected by HD.
Vivability chief executive officer Nick Packham said the fundraiser, in addition to the charity element, will provide an engaging team-building activity for staff.
"We're keen to raise awareness of HD, and we've set a fundraising goal of $2000 to support Huntington's NSW ACT; a goal we hope to exceed," Mr Packham said.
"We're conscious that exercise is good for people living with anxiety and mental health issues, so we're keen for our staff to get motivated and take part."
HD is an inherited, relentlessly progressive neurological condition characterised by involuntary movement and lack of co-ordination.
Vivability human resources manager Blake Aubin said the staff have split up into five teams, with each team member to undergo a series of weekly challenges.
"The challenges will be points-based, with two laps of the Macquarie River park under 45 minutes scoring a point, and a weekend lap of Mount Panorama scoring two points," Mr Aubin said.
"Each team member has to provide photo evidence that they've completed a walk, and there will be prizes for the team with the most points and who has raised the most money."
Vivability staff will conduct walks individually to effectively manage social distancing in accordance with COVID-safe advice.
Mr Packham said Vivability is in the process of working with Huntington's NSW ACT on a national pilot to provide tailored accommodation for people with neurological disorders.
"As the disease progresses, there's nowhere for people affected by HD to live apart from an aged care facility, and we see people in their 30s in 40s ending up in these facilities," he said.
"We've already had a young woman with HD move from aged care into one of our group homes, and we're currently developing a home with 'smart technology' to showcase how to provide accommodation for people with neurological disorders."
In Australia, over 1,800 people have HD and approximately 6,000 are at risk.