Garden brings gift of joy

By Bridget Brady
A NOT-for-profit day centre for adults with intellectual disabilities is hoping to raise money to provide better services for its clients.
The executive officer of Blairlogie Living and Learning in Cranbourne South, Rod Puls, is encouraging the community to support the centre and attend an upcoming open day on 18 April.
The centre, which provides life and work skills for about 100 adults with disabilities, has recently been extended to cater for about 10 special needs clients.
A sensory garden is also being built at the premises, and Mr Puls said the centre welcomed any support it could get.
“We will never have too much money. The more we get, the better we can do,” he said.
“The garden provides a peaceful and tranquil setting … the board of management has been very keen to get this going and we’re very thrilled.”
Mr Puls said Blairlogie, which has been at Cranbourne South for about 12 years, relied on fund-raising and any donations it received to implement some projects. Mr Puls said it would be great to see a specialised trampoline, which cost about $13,000, and a swing installed for clients.
“The better facilities we get, the better service we can provide.”
The open day this month was also an opportunity to showcase the services at Blairlogie, Mr Puls said.
“We’re a bit unique because we’re on a (six-acre) property here and we’re proud of what we provide here.”
A large clearing sale will be held at the open day, with furniture, computers, printers, toys and books for sale.
The open day will be held on Sunday 18 April from 10am to 2pm at Blairlogie Living and Learning, 685 North Road, Cranbourne South.