Donations pour in to replace vandalised birdbaths

MILLHAVEN Hostel has been inundated with birdbaths after vandals smashed one at the aged care facility in December.
Linda Austen, nursing manager at Pakenham Aged Care, said several birdbaths had been donated and three more had been offered after the Gazette ran a story about the senseless vandalism. “We were very pleased with the level of community it shows and the consideration it shows for people of the elderly,” she said.
Flowers by Jo in Pakenham donated two new birdbaths, while three other individuals also gave some to the aged care facility.
Two of those people anonymously dropped some off at the hostel, Ms Austen said.
“It was a lovely response for the community, particularly those who donated anonymously who didn’t expect any thanks,” she said.
Bird loving resident Aileen O’Donohue now has a bath outside her window. Staff said the vandalism had caused much distress to Ms O’Donohue, who feeds the birds every day.
Many other people and businesses, including Lakeside Garden Supplies, also offered to donate birdbaths to Millhaven hostel.