Community & Business
4 November, 2026
Café campaign for dementia patients
THE Hungry Pug Cafe is again rallying the community to support one of its fundraising initiatives. This time it’s aiming to make Christmas a little brighter for locals living with dementia.
Cafe owners Simon and Victoria Crosby are aiming to raise $1,000 by Christmas to purchase dementia aids for elderly patients at Mareeba and Julatten aged care homes.
The local aged care homes have long held a special place in Victoria’s heart who often visits them to sing to the elderly.
“We’ve had a little bit to do with the aged care facilities over the last few years,” she said.
“We like to go entertain there and I still go and sing there every and now then. I haven’t gotten the chance to go as much lately because I’ve been working a lot but we will get back there.
“We did this a couple of years ago for Christmas, where we got $1,000 worth of dementia aids and wrapped them all up and gave them as Christmas presents.
“That went down really, really well so we thought it would be a good idea to do it again, because it’s been a couple of years now.”
A dementia aid can be a toy, puzzle, device or piece of equipment that helps dementia patients stimulate their brains, which improves mood and provides a sense of accomplishment.
“We’re thinking of purchasing things like realistic dolls that have clothes, toy puppy dogs, puzzles with big pieces, big playing cards – anything that keeps someone active and their mind active.
“We’re going to support our local one here in Mareeba (Mareeba Gardens) and our local one in Julatten (Mt Kooyong).”
The fundraising will finish about two weeks out from Christmas, giving Simon and Victoria time to buy and wrap the presents.
“Then, maybe on Christmas Eve, we’ll actually make a special trip to both of the facilities and drop them off this year,” Victoria said.
Locals can support the appeal in three ways; by purchasing a homemade Christmas decoration (with the $50 bauble featuring a festive photo of Simon); donating to the community tip jar; or by donating dementia aid items directly.
“We’ve got to look after our old people and this is a nice way to help out. We’re very grateful to everyone who has supported us,” Victoria said.
The Hungry Pug Cafe is located at 97 Byrnes Street, Mareeba.
Donatable items (new):
Baby dolls and realistic baby dolls for nurturing activities
Soft, cuddly toy pets and realistic animal toys
Large-piece puzzles and dementia-friendly jigsaw puzzles
Easy-to-use colouring books, pencils and craft activities
Large-print playing cards and simple matching games
Large-print books and picture books
Music CDs featuring familiar songs and old favourites
Fidget blankets, sensory cushions and tactile activity items
Soft, comfortable sensory items and familiar-feeling fabrics
