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Evans Head Parkinson’s Support Group received several donations from community groups this week.
Evans Head Rotary Club made a donation to buy a selection of books for a library, as well as a mobile bookshelf for members to enjoy.
Evans Head Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Thyme Lifestyle Village every fourth Thursday of the month, providing friendship, support and connection for people living with Parkinson’s, and for their families and carers.
Sue Wall said that Rotary Evans Head were happy to support the people who are inspirational in their approach to living with Parkinson’s. 
When sourcing a mobile library, with the assistance of Donna Lloyd, Sue Custer from Evans Head Library was able to uncover a mobile book trolley which was donated by the Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library.
An Appreciation Certificate from Parkinson’s NSW was accepted by Sue on behalf of the Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library. This donation meant a substantial saving for the support group.
Evans Head Men’s Shed attached a backing to the trolley to keep the books in when wheeled out each month. Paul Field from the Men’s Shed accepted a certificate from Parkinson’s NSW as a thank you.
As a result of the savings on the trolley purchase, it was decided the excess funds would be used to provide voice and swallowing therapy for group members run by a local qualified speech therapist.
This will start in October and will run over a number of weeks.
It may not be widely known but one of the greatest causes of death with Parkinson’s Disease is aspiration pneumonia which can be caused from the deterioration of the swallowing mechanism as a result of Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson’s Support Group said the contributions make a real difference and are greatly appreciated.