Sargood Foundation

THE SARGOOD FOUNDATION

The vision of the Sargood Foundation is to provide people who are living with Spinal Cord Injury with opportunities to live life to the fullest. We currently do this by fundraising to supply equipment, facilities, opportunities and subsidised stays at Sargood on Collaroy for guests who otherwise could not afford this valuable experience. Our philosophy is based on improving the quality of life since there is no way to reverse or cure spinal cord damage

The Sargood Foundation is a DGR registered charity that exists to support the work of Sargood on Collaroy which is Australia’s – and possibly the world’s – first health and wellness resort providing purpose built, accessible accommodation and services for people living with Spinal Cord Injury. Open to all ages, the resort welcomes people with permanent damage to their spinal cord that is not progressive or palliative. 

The Foundation is committed to supporting the SCI community over the forthcoming year and are seeking donations to help us fund an innovative grants program alongside our efforts to meet an ongoing demand for new equipment which allows us to offer our guests the chance to experience new activities and experiences which are critically important when you spend all day, every day, in a chair. We will also, with the support of our donors facilitate support for those who receive inadequate insurance or NDIS support – sometimes extending their stay or including much appreciated activities. A break at Sargood can bring together a family that has been through difficult times. 

SARGOOD ON COLLAROY

The journey of a person with Spinal Cord Injury is traumatic and incredibly distressing – months in hospital, followed by intensive rehab and a return home brings many physical and emotional stresses and strains, to both the individual and their family. At Sargood on Collaroy, our objective is to promote genuine independence and integration in the lives of our guests, who all live with spinal cord injury. Guests are able to participate in activities such as surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, sailing, diving, golf, tennis, fishing, water skiing and cycling alongside more therapeutic activities including yoga, cooking, ceramics, gardening or even a trip to our local Farmers Markets. These activities, many requiring specially adaptive equipment, help build confidence, optimism and a realisation of what is possible for those living with Spinal Cord Injury. 
 

THE FACTS ABOUT SPINAL CORD INJURY

At least one person sustains a Spinal Cord Injuryevery day in Australia.

Approximately 20,000 Australians are living with a Spinal Cord Injury, with the average age being 40.

Most injuries occur in young people; particularly males aged 15-24 years and more than half of traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries are transport related, almost one third are the result of a fall.

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Sargood on Collaroy is essentially a place of learning for people impacted by Spinal Cord Injury to gain the confidence and skills to return to a full and rewarding life

Not everyone that sustains a Spinal Cord Injury will have the insurance cover to support a stay at Sargood on Collaroy, however they would all benefit greatly from doing so. 

Your gift will help provide funding so that people living with a Spinal Cord Injury can learn the new skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

SHEM'S EXPERIENCE

“Thank you to all who were instrumental in orchestrating a wonderful, inspiring, and very well planned few days. Receiving absolutely no government assistance and not being in a financial situation to even consider an opportunity like this, my fingers were crossed the entire time from submitting my application to the subsequent acceptance email. This experience is one that I will always remember! The people we met, the place we stayed and the trip in general were all perfect. Grants and opportunities like this have the potential to really change people’s lives and show them things that they can only dream of doing”. 

Shem, Paraplegic since the age of 18 - Visited Sargood March 2020 with the support of the Sargood Foundation