Robert Rose Foundation
Robert Rose Foundation Robert’s legacy kicks on The Robert Rose Foundation is a long-time supporter of Independence Australia, and has recently expanded their funding opportunities to people living with spinal cord injuries. This article is republished with permission from the Robert Rose Foundation. A car accident forty-three years ago left Collingwood and Footscray footballer Robert Rose a quadriplegic, at the tender age of 22. Soon after his death in 1999, the Robert Rose Foundation (RRF) was formed in his honour. The Foundation was created to provide support for those with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Victoria, who lack access to other sources of funding. It provides counselling and funding for SCI equipment, modifications, and education programs. Funds raised by the RRF are allocated to those with SCI and their families. Rehabilitation is not just about physical changes and adjustments when recovering from an injury; it is a process that involves psychological growth as well. It is necessary for someone with a SCI to develop the psychological skills to actively participate socially and protect their mental health. The Foundation provides funding for counselling and psychology services, through Independence Australia’s Psychology Service, to help people adjust to life with a SCI, and the emotional and social changes associated with that. The RRF provides grant applications to people who have incurred a SCI, including scholarships for those hoping to attain new skills and qualifications. The Foundation also provides community care grants that offer funds for equipment and services to enable more independent living and greater quality of life. Submissions for grants are accepted from individuals and organisations. Australian singer, entertainer and quadriplegic, Timothy McCallum, received financial support from the RRF. At the age of 18, Timothy became a quadriplegic following a road accident. With help from the Foundation he was able to purchase a new wheelchair. “I desperately needed a new wheelchair and there was going to be a huge burden both emotionally and monetary-wise. The application process was thorough, and the Foundation’s support and 10 Independence Australia
ongoing care was exceptional. I have always felt the team at RRF really want to have an impact on the lives of those who have acquired a spinal injury, and in my circumstance, they did in a hugely positive way. I will be forever grateful,” he says. Australian wheelchair rugby Paralympic medallist and team leader at Spire, Nazim Erdem, has also benefited from the support of the RRF, receiving funding for a new wheelchair. “Without the grant from the RRF, I would have been still using my very old, very dangerous wheelchair, as I don’t have funding towards wheelchairs,” he says. To receive funding from the Foundation, recipients must seek the advice of a medical professional, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or similar. Those interested in receiving a grant can download the Guidelines and Grant Application form online: www.robertrosefoundation.com/services. The Foundation does not support funding for services provided by government agencies. Robert Rose was the son of famous Collingwood star and coach Bob Rose. Footy was in Robert’s veins and family history, with three uncles also playing for the club. Robert played 26 games for Collingwood between 1970 and 1973, and nine games for Footscray in 1973, as well as two VFL finals for Collingwood. Robert was also passionate about cricket, playing 19 first class games for Victoria from 1971 to 1974. The Robert Rose Cup is awarded every year to the winning team in the first AFL round between Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs (formerly Footscray), followed by the Bob Rose-Charlie Sutton Medal, awarded to the best player on ground. The clubs have competed for the Cup since 2000, in recognition of Robert Rose’s contribution to sport, and to raise awareness of disability and SCI. The contest couldn’t be closer, with the Western Bulldogs evening the score after winning the first match of 2017. The two teams are now level, having won nine games each of the 18 Robert Rose Cup matches since 2000. For more information on funding and grant applications, please visit the Robert Rose Foundation website at www.robertrosefoundation.com Inform – Spring 2017 11
