Latest News from Dementia Foundation
To discover more about the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life visit: www.dementiafoundation.org.au >>
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David Wren, Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
New 2024 Tour: USA
David Wren, a Professional Golfer, has travelled extensively around the world with a personal passion for visiting developing countries. Having climbed throughout the Himalayas and completed bike crossings of Vietnam, Tibet, Nepal and South America, he set a challenge to ride ‘halfway round’ the world to raise money for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.
From David Wren:
What started as “Halfway around the World” in 2012 has now become an “Around the World” project. The journey has so far consisted of 6 legs with the shortest legs consisting of 1 month on the road right up to 3 months on the pedals.
From my point of view once I complete my crossing of the USA, I have completed a circumnavigation of the globe totaling roughly 28,000 kms.
The upcoming ride from Las Vegas to Tulsa will see me on the road for 23 days and the plan is to complete the 2000kms plus in that time.
Click here to read more about this Around the World Fundraising Tour >>
Please support David Wren in raising funds for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and their unique approach to the wellbeing of anyone experiencing dementia. Thank you.
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Concert for Spark of Life
October 2nd, 2023
To celebrate International Day of Older Persons, The Commonwealth Resounds, and CommonAge are bringing the generations together across the Commonwealth for a special online concert in aid of two charities, Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
Musicians from Asia, Australia, Malta, Africa, and Canada have generously contributed their time, effort, and talent to support this important appeal.
Raising funds for charity
This concert is a fundraiser and while the concert is free to watch, we invite you to make your donation, which will be shared 50:50 between the two charities, the Australian based Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life a health promotion charity supporting leaders around the world to transform the lives of people with dementia, and Music for ALS, which will fund research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
We invite everyone to donate to these important and life-changing causes. Every contribution will make a genuine difference.
We hope you all enjoy the concert and we thank you in advance for your support.
To make a donation:
Concert Programme
Introduced by:
Jane Seymour OBE
Speaker:
Dr Vivienne Cox,
63-year-old bio scientist and amateur singer explains how her life has changed since her recent ALS diagnosis.
Speaker:
Nilanjana Maulik,
Secretary General, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India, Calcutta Chapter, Spark of Life Master Practitioner and CommonAge Fellow, explains how the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life has changed lives in India. It includes a beautiful musical rendition of a poem written by Tagore, a Nobel Prize for Literature winner.
Performer:
Heerraa Ravindran, from Malaysia.
Performer:
The Joy Gospel Singers, from Malta.
Performer:
Devon Packer, from Canada.
Performer:
The Phoenix Collective, from Australia.
Speakers:
Richard Semanda, Founder, Geriatric Respite Care Foundation, Uganda, Spark of Life Master Practitioner and CommonAge Ambassador
Jesca Nakibirango, Founder of Rise and Shine Dyslexic Organisation, Uganda and Spark of Life Master Practitioner explains how the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life has changed lives in Uganda.
Performer:
The Pan African Choir ‘Malaika’, from Uganda.
The concert was launched online on October 1st, 2023, and video of the concert is now available to view:
To make a donation:
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David Wren:
2023 Central America Fundraising Bike Tour – Update
March 15th, 2023
“I’m getting close to halfway of the ride and crossed the border into Costa Rica yesterday. It has been hot and dusty so far but hitting the coast area today and hoping for some cooler weather.
750 kms so far cycled and 900 to go.”
You can learn more about David’s Story here:
Please consider donating to support David’s efforts and Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
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David Wren:
2023 Central America Fundraising Bike Tour
David Wren commenced a new Fundraising Bike Tour on March 1st 2023!
This intrepid adventure will see him cycling for 21 days across 5 countries in Central America – El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, including a final day crossing of the Panama Canal.
As a Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, David is again cycling to raise funds for this life-changing charity.
You can learn more about David’s Story here:
Please consider donating to support David’s efforts and Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
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David Wren Interview
David Wren, Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life was interviewed radio by Todd Johnson on 6PR on Tuesday 6th September 2022 about his 22,0000 km ride around the world for the foundation and why he is dedicating this ride to his mum Althea Wren.
Listen to the interview here:
David Wren 6PR interview, Part 1:
David Wren 6PR interview, Part 2:
Please help David by donating to his fundraising
efforts for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
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Ruby’s Choice Awards and Official Trailer
The ground-breaking film Ruby’s Choice, has received the award for Best Picture from the Australian Screen Industry Network for 2022.
In addition Jane Seymour was honoured with the award for Best Actress for her outstanding authentic and perception-shifting portrayal of Ruby, who has dementia.
Certificates of High Distinction were also awarded to Michael Budd for Directing, Jessica Butland for Producing, Rory Potter for Supporting Male Actor, Sam Boffa, crew and Paul Mahoney for screenwriting.
Dementia Care International and Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life are the official organisations associated with this feature film.
Watch the Ruby’s Choice Official Trailer:
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Ruby’s Choice Fundraiser for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
27 people braved the rain, wind and cold to attend the fundraiser viewing of Ruby’s Choice in Port Lincoln on the evening of Thursday 18th August, 2022.
Tania Hammond, Spark of Life Master Practitioner, Cummins, South Australia and Danielle Green, Director of Residential Care, Matthew Flinders Care Services, had been planning this event for some time and with the help of Dementia Care International had shared the event widely through aged care and community networks. Guests were greeted at the cinema entrance and offered a copy of Dementia Care International’s Ruby’s Choice and the Spark of Life Philosophy flyer.
Tania and Danielle discovered that 18 members of a local Women in Agriculture and Business (WAB) group had chosen to attend the fundraiser as part of their community project on Dementia. Tania gave a small talk about the film and its links to the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and many guests were excited to hear about the global work of Dementia Care International.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the film, there was lots of laughter throughout as guests related to particular scenes. At the end there were a few tears, and one gentleman expressed that he could relate to so many things in the film as his mother has dementia. He said the film made him realise that he and his sister need to change their approach with their Mum. Another guest said “Wow, this film is about so much more than Dementia!”
There was a wonderful, intimate feeling in the room after the film and everyone left with a smile on their face.
“What is Spark of Life I hear you say? It is a unique program that aims to alleviate the emotional suffering and ignite the Spark of Life in people with dementia, their families and carers. It elevates the quality of dementia care by bringing the conscious practice of love and compassion, thereby igniting the Spark of Life.”
Tania Hammond, Aged Care NPC for the EFNLHN
Please consider donating to Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
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Special Announcement:
David Wren Becomes Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
David Wren, a Professional Golfer, has travelled extensively around the world with a personal passion for visiting developing countries. Having climbed throughout the Himalayas and completed bike crossings of Vietnam, Tibet, Nepal and South America, he set a challenge to ride ‘halfway round’ the world to raise money for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.
Consisting of over 22,000km by bike, David’s journey started in Ireland, travelling through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, finally returning to Australia to ride the final leg across the Nullabor to Melbourne, Victoria.
David Wren shares his motivation to raise money for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
Mum spent her life advocating for the rights of the disabled and their right to participate in all of life’s activities and workplaces.
The diagnosis of dementia for Mum meant sitting on a chair in a nursing home will little or no interaction with everyday life. Any signs of positiveness or happiness also left.
I wondered why people diagnosed with dementia were not given every opportunity to continue participating in life.
I came across Dementia Care International, Jane Verity and Hilary Lee. I could instantly relate to their focus on maximizing the lifestyle and happiness of people with dementia.
I thought, “How can I help”?
I had a light globe moment: “bike touring is for me”…
No matter what country you are in as human beings we all strive for the same things. Peace and security, education for the next generation, political and financial stability, fresh food, family connection and community.
In 2010 I started to hatch a plan to take a gap year and attempt a super long-distance solo ride. A 22,000km ride from my Family name ancestral village in Ireland, Athboy, County Meath, to my home city Melbourne Australia.
The ride included overland crossings of France, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China with the final leg from Perth to Melbourne via my hometown Griffith, NSW.
The trip included fundraising, with all money raised going to Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.
Please help David by donating to his fundraising
efforts for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
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Zambia creating awareness about dementia for Global Spark of Life Month
By Anderson Simfukwe
During this month of August, Zambia joins the rest of world to celebrate Global Spark of Life Month and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias In Zambia (ADDIZ) is equal to the task by conducting various activities that include Awareness Walks to inform, educate and engage people in the care of older people living with dementia in the communities across the country.
ADDIZ, led by Anderson Simfukwe, Spark of Life Master Practitioner, organized a “Kick out Dementia Football Tournament” as part of Dementia Awareness through sports on 13-14 August 2022 with support from our local business community who came together to raise cash prize to the Winner of the tournament. And Chinji Football Club emerged victorious and walked away wth $150 cash prize. Before the commencement of the ball game spectacular, participants and guests were provided with informative and inspiring Spark of Life Dementia Care Education.
To grace the occasion the Area Councilor, who in his key note speech, touched on the role of the families to take care of their older parents and sounded a warning to people taking law into their own hands by abusing and murdering older people on witchcraft accusations, and that long arm of the law will soon catch up with them. He shared with the audience the importance of keeping and caring for their older ones in the communities. He further urged the communities to work hand in hand with ADDIZ and other line government ministries to curb older people abuse.
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Kosovo Celebrating Global Spark of Life Month
Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT) director Dr. Feride Rushiti and psychologist Selvi Izeti Çarkaxhiu, both Spark of Life Master Practitioners, are celebrating Global Spark of Life Month, with their team.
Last year, supported by Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, Feride and Selvi took part in the intensive three-week Spark of Life Master Leadership Program that has enabled them to introduce the Spark of Life Model of Care into Kosovo for the first time. They recently translated the Spark of Life Education to Albanian to pioneer the education with their colleagues in Kosovo.
Feride says “The Spark of Life Philosophy is an added value to our work with our clients suffering from trauma, since many components of this philosophy can be easily adapted to work with clients that don’t suffer from dementia, but who would benefit greatly from this holistic, encouraging and humanistic approach to inspire the human soul. KRCT would like to thank the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life for the continuous support towards the capacity building in KRCT and for enriching our perspective in the field of rehabilitation”.
To support the life-enriching work of Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, click the button below. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
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Uganda Celebrating Global Spark of Life Month
Meet Richard Semanda, Spark of Life Master Practitioner pictured here with colleagues Atuhaire Daphine in the orange polo and Nabulya Oliver in the purple polo.
Richard’s organisation Geriatric Respite Care Foundation, based in Kampala, Uganda was the first healthcare service to bring the Spark of Life Philosophy and Model of Care to Africa. Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life supported Richard, together with his colleague Jesca Nakiribango to travel to Perth Australia to become certified as Spark of Life Master Practitioners. Through educating their community, Richard and Jesca are able to give much needed support and information, as dementia is often misunderstood and even feared.
Richard and Jesca have utilized their new knowledge to pioneer Africa’s first rehabilitative Spark of Life Day Centre which is transforming many lives of people with dementia in Kampala and the surrounding region in Uganda.
Meet Jesca Nakibirango, Spark of Life Master Practitioner, Founder & Executive Director of Rise and Shine Dyslexic Organisation and Director of the Munyonyo Learning Centre, a pioneering school in Kampala, Uganda for children with neurological disorders.
As a Master Practitioner, Jesca is implementing the Spark of Life Philosophy with her students, which is having wonderful results, empowering them to ‘walk tall’ with confidence and to also become volunteers for the Geriatric Respite Foundation. The students form a special relationship with the seniors with dementia, as Richard and Jesca’s centres share the same building.
Please donate to Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
to support this life changing cause:
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An award-winning feature film for all generations
By Hilary Lee, July 30th 2022
Almost 70,000 New Zealanders are living with dementia today and 4 out of 5 people know or have known someone living with dementia. At the same time, the crisis in aged care with Covid that has led to staff shortages, burnout, and the fact that many much-needed care homes are closing down, is devastating to witness.
In these turbulent times of intense challenge in aged and dementia care, a breath of fresh air and hope is coming to New Zealand on 4th August 2022, with a new independent feature film about dementia, Ruby’s Choice, winner of Australian Screen Industry Network ‘Best Film’.
Ruby’s Choice stars acclaimed actress Jane Seymour OBE, and is a deeply inspiring, and uplifting drama about Ruby, a loving and courageous woman who has early dementia, and goes to live with her family after accidentally burning down her house.
I have personally been involved with the production of Ruby’s Choice since January 2018 with advice regarding the script, and support of the cast and crew with our organisation’s expertise in the field of dementia.
Thanks to the perceptive direction of Michael Budd, a well-crafted screenplay by Paul Mahoney, and artistic cinematography by Steve Arnold, the production is both authentic and heartwarming.
The story is told through the eyes of Tash, Ruby’s teenage granddaughter acted by Coco Jack Gillies, with whom she has to share a bedroom. The film conveys how the family re-discovers the value Ruby has in their lives as she solves many of their problems in unexpected ways. This powerful story is relevant to anyone caring for a person with dementia and for people of all ages.
What is particularly unusual about this film is that the focus is on the positive, the special attributes that Ruby brings to her family and community, that leave a lasting impact into the future.
Ruby’s experience of dementia is exceptionally portrayed by Jane Seymour opening the door for the audience to experience what it is like to have dementia and relate to her different emotions.
One leaves the cinema feeling enriched with the insight that people with dementia have so much life wisdom to contribute to everyone around them who all benefit.
Funded by New Zealand Philanthropist
Acclaimed New Zealand Philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn of the Glenn Family Foundation, funded the production of Ruby’s Choice. Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life is the official charity that Sir Owen selected to be associated with the film.
“This innovative film not only helps shift perceptions about dementia, but by supporting Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, it will enable this pioneering health promotion charity to alleviate the emotional suffering and ignite the Spark of Life in people with dementia, their families, and carers worldwide,”
Sir Owen stated.
An Inspirational Education-Opportunity for Health Care Teams
Anyone working in aged and dementia care would benefit tremendously from the insightful educational opportunity this film provides.
For aged care services organising group bookings for their teams, reflective questions as well as a handout with educational points and specific learnings related to Ruby’s Choice are available from Dementia Care International on request by emailing: info@dementiacareinternational.com.
August is the official Global Spark of Life Month, creating awareness and raising funds for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and Ruby’s Choice opens on 4th August 2022.
Find a cinema near you and book tickets – from August 1st:
This article was originally published in New Zealand’s Focus Magazine.
Click here to view this article in Focus Magazine.
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Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life is the official charity associated with the new Australian feature film, Ruby’s Choice, starring Jane Seymour.
Watch the latest Trailer:
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Ruby’s Choice Sydney Premiere
The film Ruby’s Choice premiered in Sydney on the 22nd of February and our Founder and CEO Jane Verity attended.
Our Founder Jane Verity with Director Michael Budd at the global premiere of ‘Ruby’s Choice’ in Sydney, Australia .
Dementia Care International and our charity arm Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life® are the official organisations associated with the film.
Jessica Butland, Director of Radioactive Pictures, who are distributing the film, thanked both Jane Verity and Hilary Lee, President, of Dementia Care International in her speech on stage at the Premiere, for their assistance in the production of the film by ensuring the story was true to real life experiences of people with dementia and those who care for them.
“Dementia Care International’s Spark of Life is a wonderful initiative, something we thought of closely when making this film. It’s going to change the lives of many people around the world” Jessica said.
The film is now screening in Australian cinemas. Global dates to be announced soon.
Watch the video below to view the highlights of the wonderful Premiere of Ruby’s Choice:
Check your local Palace Cinemas and Hoyts Australia theatre for availability, and create group bookings with your friends and colleagues for a life-enriching experience. For every dollar profited from the film 50% will be donated to our foundation to help us on our mission to bring that Spark of Life back to people living with Dementia.
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A message from our Honorary Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
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Ruby’s Choice World Premiere
Ruby’s Choice directed by Michael Budd with Jane Seymour in the leading role is an Australian Feature Film due for cinema release in 2022. On 29th August, 2021 Ruby’s Choice had its World Premiere at the CinefestOz Film Festival in Margaret River, Western Australia. Dementia Care International and its charity arm Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life are the official dementia organisations associated with the film.
Hilary Lee, President of the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, was at the Premiere, and here are the highlights:
Music credit for this Ruby’s Choice Premiere video: www.bensound.com
Fundraiser Buzz before World Premiere
To donate to the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
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Announcing Michael Budd, Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
On 29th August 2021, live on stage at the Global Premiere of Ruby’s Choice his film about dementia, Michael Budd was officially awarded Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life. The certificate was presented to Michael via Facetime by Hilary Lee, President of the Foundation, in front of an excited audience who had just viewed the film.
Producer and Director Michael Budd and his team from Amazing People Pictures brought this groundbreaking film to fruition despite many challenges, not least filming in Sydney during the full blown pandemic in 2020. Michael’s boutique film production company was founded in London and is based in Sydney. Michael Budd is a Producer, Director and Actor with a vision to help Australia produce outstanding films that are out-of-the-box, original and innovative.
“As the director of Ruby’s Choice I drew on my personal experiences interacting with people with dementia, including my grandmother. My aim was to carefully portray dementia in a highly accurate and respectful way as a result.” Michael Budd said.
For the fundraiser at the premiere Michael generously donated a picture from the film of Jane Seymour in her role as Ruby, that he had signed.
Michael passionately supports Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, the official charity associated with the film. The Foundation enriches the lives of people with dementia, thus igniting their Spark of Life, in people with dementia, their families and carers globally.
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A Globally Important Film of Our Time
By Hilary Lee, President, Dementia Care International
On 29th August, 2021 the Australian Feature Film Ruby’s Choice had its World Premiere at the CinefestOz film festival in Margaret River, Western Australia.
Ruby’s Choice is groundbreaking and perception shifting produced with a sensitivity and insight to the topic that can only come from personal experience.
The film explores the humanising story of a grandmother dealing with dementia, whose family re-discover the value of her presence in their lives.
Having been involved in the project for 3 ½ years, seeing the finished feature film in the cinema took my breath away. Thanks to the perceptive direction of Michael Budd, a well-crafted screenplay by Paul Mahoney, and experienced cinematography by Steve Arnold, the production is the most authentic and inspiring film about dementia I have ever seen.
As the audience we were feeling the experience of the family and their turmoil of emotions around Ruby’s experience of dementia with their everyday life challenges, navigating theirs with hers.
Ruby’s experience of dementia is exceptionally portrayed by Jane Seymour OBE opening the door for us to learn what it is like to have dementia in such a natural way where we can feel the different emotions and experiences.
The story is thoughtful and wise because it explains why people with dementia may have uncharacteristic behaviour, and role models how we can offer empowering support.
One leaves the cinema enriched from the experience, and aware that people with dementia have life wisdom to contribute to everyone around them who all benefit.
The story is particularly touching as it is told through the eyes of Ruby’s grand-daughter Tash, played by Coco Jack Gillies, a talented young Australian actor. Tash’s teenage voice empowers all of us to remember the emotionally healing power of love and her special relationship with Ruby illustrates the value of intergenerational relationships.
This is a story for all ages as it explores relevant challenges that anyone may experience in our lives and shows how these can be overcome. The script is woven with depth, drama and quirky Australian humour.
To me, this film has taken cinema full circle to the best of how it was in the past with authentic performances by each cast member and beautiful, creative cinematography. One leaves the cinema feeling immensely uplifted, richer and wiser.
Film is a fundamental way of reaching the community to start a conversation about thinking differently about dementia and how to value and treasure people with dementia as human beings. People with dementia are looking to be accepted, supported and included in society.
Many of us have someone with dementia in our family and we want to enable our loved ones to keep living, still enjoying life to the fullest
Ruby’s Choice – when shared with the broader community – will start to shift the perception of what is possible for people with dementia when supporting them to continue to feel loved, as well as have meaningful roles, and seeing each person in their uniqueness.
Ruby’s Choice, Executive Produced by Sir Owen Glenn and made with the support of Glenn Family Foundation & Directed and Produced by Michael Budd, Owner of Amazing People Pictures, is expected to be screened in Australian and New Zealand cinemas in early 2022.
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Jane Seymour accepts award of Honorary Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
Highly regarded and accomplished actor Jane Seymour OBE has accepted the award of Honorary Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life for her authentic portrayal of the character Ruby, a loving person and grandmother with dementia in the inspirational feature film Ruby’s Choice.
Jane is well known for her extensive career in film, theatre and TV and through her performance puts a spotlight on the human perspective of dementia. She draws inspiration from her own mother who was a Dutch prisoner of war and a courageous role model.
Jane is inspired by the global humanitarian work of Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and shared with Jane Verity and Hilary Lee, Founder and President of the foundation and expressed her appreciation for the honour.
‘Jane Seymour is such a beautiful, wise and authentic Ambassador, with a strong humanitarian spirit, and we are delighted that she has accepted this honour.’
Hilary Lee, President, Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
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WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE:
RUBY’S CHOICE
Dementia Care International and Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life are proud to announce the World Premiere of Ruby’s Choice which will light up cinema screens at the upcoming 2021 CinefestOZ Festival in Margaret River, Western Australia.
Directed by Michael Budd, and written by Paul Mahoney, Ruby’s Choice is a film with a unique and positive perspective about dementia that will touch the hearts of all who see it. The film explores the humanising story of a grandmother dealing with dementia, whose family re-discover the value of her presence in their lives.
Michael has brought together a phenomenal cast and crew led by the incredible Jane Seymour in the title role, alongside Jacqueline McKenzie, Stephen Hunter and Coco Jack Gillies. Jane Seymour’s sensitive and authentic portrayal of Ruby enables us to see that people with dementia are just like us, with the same emotions and feelings.
“As the director of Ruby’s Choice I drew on my personal experiences interacting with people with dementia, including my grandmother. My aim was to carefully portray dementia in a highly accurate and respectful way as a result.” Michael Budd said.
Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life has a natural synergy with Ruby’s Choice, as the Foundation works to transform the experience of dementia from being disempowered and forgotten, to being emotionally connected and loved. The Foundation aims to enrich the lives of people with dementia around the world, thus igniting their spark of life.
Tickets to the film’s premiere at CinefestOZ will also include a delectable high tea canapé soirée before the screening, accompanied by live music at Margaret River HEART. The filmmakers will host an enlightening Q&A after the film where visitors will be able to hear behind-the-scenes stories of how the film was made.
Ruby’s Choice will premiere at Margaret River HEART on Sunday 29 August with tickets available to purchase online now. Click the button below for tickets:
View the Ruby’s Choice Trailer below:
Ruby’s Choice
Acclaimed Philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn of the Glenn Family Foundation, is funding the production of ‘Ruby’s Choice’, an Australian Feature film by Amazing People Pictures starring Jane Seymour OBE. Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life is the official charity associated with the film.
‘On behalf of the Glenn Family Foundation, I have chosen to support the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life with 50% of the profits of Ruby’s Choice.
This innovative film will not only help shift perceptions about dementia, but by supporting the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, it will also enable the provision of much needed practical help. It will enable this Australian based health promotion charity to alleviate emotional suffering and ignite the Spark of Life in people with dementia, their families and carers,’ Sir Owen states.
Ruby’s Choice is a globally important film of our time. It tells the story of Ruby, a woman living alone with early dementia and its impact on her and her family when she is no longer able to live independently. The film shows through Ruby’s granddaughter Tash’s eyes the humanity of dementia – that there is still a person there with memories, emotion and value.
The story of Ruby’s Choice shares the same heart-centred message as Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life. Ruby’s Choice is about showing the importance of love and compassion. The film role models how people with dementia can live active and meaningful lives and still have so much to contribute.
Ruby’s Choice, written by the Australian award-winning screen and script writer Paul Mahoney, was inspired from his own previous personal experiences and insight of working in aged and dementia care in Australia.
Over the past 2 years, the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and Dementia Care International have been supporting Producer and Director Michael Budd and his team from Amazing People Pictures in the ground work of this film. This boutique film production company was founded in London and is based in Sydney. Michael Budd is a Director-Actor with a vision to help Australia produce outstanding films that are out-of-the-box, original and innovative.
Highly regarded and accomplished actor Jane Seymour OBE, will portray the character Ruby, a loving person and grandmother. Jane is well known for her extensive career in film, theatre and TV and through her performance will put a spotlight on the human perspective of dementia.. She draws inspiration from her own mother who was a Dutch prisoner of war and a courageous role model.
Click here to donate to Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life >>
A Wedding in the Hills – Spark of Life Bonbonniere
On 2nd November 2019, Nikita Marshall and Dalitso Mwale were married in a beautiful garden wedding in the hills in Perth, Western Australia. They took this opportunity to support the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life with personalised in lieu of bonbonniere cards .
Malcolm Young Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life Fundraiser Concert – 15th November 2019, Sydney
Since February 2017, rock ‘n’ roll royalty have continued to come together in celebration of the legacy left behind from AC/DC’s elder statesman, Malcolm Young.
For the first time this concert ventured to Sydney. The event, which has already gone on to raise over $30,000 for the foundation since it’s inception, was hosted at Castle Hill RSL on Friday November 15th 2019.
Featuring Past & Present Members of:
Simon Wright – Ex AC/DC
Ian Hulme – Choirboys
Paul Wheeler – Icehouse
Jeff Consi – Badloves
Nat Allison – Suzi Qattro Band
Spencer Jones – The Voice
Paul Woseen – Screaming Jets
Joel McDonald – Bruce Kulick / Gilbey Clarke
Paul Christie – Mondo Rock
Cynthia Gallie – Let There Be Rock Orchestrated
James Morley – The Angels
Randall Waller – Rose Tattoo
Virginia Lillye
Peter Northcote
D
avid Wren- Riding Around the World for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life – Aiming for $20,000
David Wren from Melbourne Australia has done numerous bicycle rides around the world to fundraise for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.
‘I invite you to follow me on my next journey riding through Pakistan in 2019 and donate to the important work of the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.’
Malcolm Young Tribute Concert Raises Funds for the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life
The rock’n’roll royalty of Australian music banded together on 2nd February 2019 for a second year at the Corner Hotel, Melbourne to raise funds for the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life. This turbo-charged evening of AC/DC classics was in honour of Malcolm Young, Co-founder of legendary rock band AC/DC.
Listen to organiser of the event, James Morley (Angels, Choirboys and now Whole Lotta Rosie):
Craig Newman and Stuart Frazer, from the John Farnham band, are two legendary performing artists who also played at the concert. They speak here in support of the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life:
A huge thank you from everyone at the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life to all involved – your contributions help to bring the Spark of Life back to people with dementia, and their families.
(New Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life website coming March 2019)
Riding For Dementia – Update September 2018
In August 2016, David Wren, a professional golfer & advocate for Spark of Life, started a 24,000km journey cycling from Ireland across the world to NSW, Australia. Well, it’s now September 2018 & David is back in the saddle, travelling through the Middle East to raise funds for Riding For Dementia.
David writes, ‘I’m back on the bike & tracking down the West Coast of Morocco & left Casablanca 12 days ago. Last 4 days spent crossing the western end of the Atlas mountain range. Hills are always tough! The last 400kms will be the Sahara Desert highway with only three stops scheduled due to lack of civilization.’
David invites you to donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/2hxmw3w
Kalamunda Rotaract Sausage Sizzle
Along with the support of Kalamunda Bunnings, members of the Kalamunda Rotaract Club in Perth, Western Australia, organized a sausage sizzle for the local community to raise funds for the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life. After 6 hours of sizzling, the sausages were a complete sell-out and the group raised a wonderful $454.65 for the foundation.
Our genuine appreciation go to Hayley Frazer-Eaton, President of the Kalamunda Rotaract Club, all the club members, and to Bunnings Kalamunda for their support.
TAFE Student Fundraising Project
Students of Business Administration at North Metropolitan TAFE in Perth, WA, with the generous support of the students of Leadership and Management, have undertaken a fundraising and event project for the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.
As part of their studies they learnt about planning and implementing projects in the real world. Hilary Lee visited the students in February, 2018 to introduce them to the Spark of Life Philosophy and to the significant work of the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.
Click here to read more & to watch a video >>
On Tuesday 19th June 2018, Jane Verity presented a 2-hour seminar that 
provided an introduction to the Spark of Life Philosophy and the work of the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life. Proudly supported by White Lady Funerals & Le Pine Funerals, the evening was held in the beautiful function room next to the chapel at their brand new premises in Dandenong, Victoria. This inspiring seminar, that shared practical skills everyone can apply straight away with positive results, was warmly welcomed by participants & staff.
For more information visit www.dementiafoundation.org.au
Exciting News from Mumbai, India & Spark of Life Master Practitioner Sailesh Mishra
Since completing the Spark of Life Master Course in May 2017 thanks to a scholarship from the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, Sailesh was applauded by Bollywood Super Star Mr. Amitabh Bachchan on India’s biggest TV show, was visited by Ms. Susan Somers – President for INPEA (International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse) and has undertaken many community projects
Click here to read more about Sailesh’s news >>
Malcolm Young Tribute Concert 17th February 2018 – Melbourne
A special evening to be held in Melbourne at the Corner Hotel in tribute of one of Australia’s iconic musicians who experienced his own journey with dementia. An inspiration to all and a true Australian rock and roll legend.
All profits to go Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life that makes a difference in the lives of those living with dementia.
Click here for ticketing information >>
Listen to Hilary Lee chat with WA Ambassador for the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, Ros Worthington on the ‘Charity Begins at Home’ podcast. Listen here >>
Hilary Lee with Martin Farr, President of the Kalamunda Rotary Club, who presented a generous donation of $600 towards scholarship re
cipient Isaac Oyinlade.
Isaac is a leader of the Hebron Love and Care Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, a pioneering community organisation that, along with 2 other Spark of Life scholarship recipients Elizabeth Aina-Scott and Olayinka Ajomale, is working towards becoming a Spark of Life Centre of Excellence. Read more about Spark of Life in Nigeria >>