Project Description

YARNS: Every story can make a difference

“Yarns” is a volunteer project to make a difference in our local community. The project is an independent effort between friends and colleagues, with assistance from Bankstown Youth Development Services and other members of the community. Our aim is to raise money for Alzheimer’s Australia, aiding the research of dementia and supporting those who suffer from it.

The “Yarns” Project creates the opportunity for the elderly to share their stories about what is important in their lives with the world. In sharing the human experience, a space opens up for making a meaningful contribution to, and impacting, other people’s lives.

In every yarn there is something we can appreciate about our own situation. The elderly literally have a lifetime of wisdom, which often passes unheard in their later years. We know that things can be different!

The outcomes of the project present a possibility for transforming the way we appreciate the wisdom of the elderly; how we value their contribution to the world we live in today; and how we listen to them in the future.

How to contribute

“Yarns” provides opportunities for volunteers and story tellers to take part in shaping the outcomes of the project. This enables meaningful contributions from all involved, and results that can be shared in the real world.

The first volume contains stories collected throughout 2010. There are stories about growing up in Australia, and living overseas. There are also stories about hardship, adventure, family life, joy and love.

We are currently looking for any contributions community members would like to make. These can be stories written or recorded, or even some of your time to sit down and have yarn with a senior citizen. If you are a volunteer looking to join the project, there are many opportunities and ways to contribute.

If you would like to donate to this project, we appreciate your contributions. They will go towards the printing of the books, which will be launched on Saturday 17 December 2011. Copies of the Yarns (volume 1) book can also be purchased from the “Yarns” project team and from the Alzheimer’s Australia online store.

For more information contact Christian on 0417 069 259, or send an email to yarns.project@gmail.com.