Christmas comes early for
Kawana Island referrers

Living Choice Kawana Island resident, Marlene Nolan and Warana residents, Mark and Karen Cooper are celebrating Christmas early after sharing the top prize – a $5,200 UChoose Gift Card - at the 2022 QLD Gala Reward Event held at Kawana Island.

The annual event is held to reward those who successfully refer a friend or family member to Living Choice’s villages on the Sunshine Coast. Marlene and Karen were the “last two standing” in the elimination draw and they had no hesitation in agreeing to split the prize.

Sharing in their excitement were the residents they had referred. Marlene recommended the village to her long-time friends, John and Mildred Coulson of Brisbane. Their friendship has come full circle as Marlene and Mildred grew up in the same street in Leicester, UK. They both also lived at The Gap in Brisbane. “I moved to Kawana Island in 2019 and Mildred and John visited me regularly. Now we are all in the same village,” said Marlene.

New resident, Jan Cooper, was also present at the Gala event, accompanying her daughter-in-law, Karen who had referred her to the village, along with her son, Mark. “Mum was living in Melbourne and we wanted her to be closer to us in Warana,” said Karen. “It’s wonderful to have her living so close to us, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

The 2022 event was hosted by Kawana Island this year and it was spectacular! Resident organisers, Heather Preston, Ronda Shoemark and their small team of helpers transformed the village auditorium into a magical venue for the special event.

They also elected to do their own catering, preparing exquisite canapes, including mini chicken vol au vents, quiches, pumpkin and sweet potato tartlets, prawns in a cocktail sauce, brie cheese and smoked salmon on mini toasts, followed by fresh fruits sprinkled with gold dust and heart-shaped tartlets. What a feast! Adding to the festivities was the great entertainment provided by talented singer/guitarist, Bobby Longstaff.

Living Choice Director, Graham Hobbs, who flew from Adelaide especially for the draw, thanked Heather, Ronda and their helpers for once again delivering such a wonderful event. He also thanked all residents for their contribution in making Living Choice villages such happy and vibrant places to live.

For more details about the Living Choice Referral Program, see Refer and Win - Living Choice Retirement Villages