Many of our Shake It Up supporters raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research by embracing their creative pursuits and artistic passions. Gail Stortz is one supporter creating beautiful calendars with her photographic skills – with all proceeds going towards Parkinson’s disease research. Do you still need a calendar for 2024? Read Gail’s story below and get in touch to get your copy today!
Hi Gail! Can you tell us all about how you first got into photography?
I’ve always been interested in photography but it took a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to make me learn how to use a camera correctly. Of course when you work full-time, have a husband who regularly travelled overseas for work, raising and educating three children and two golden retrievers – there’s not a lot of time to take photos. I was diagnosed 22 years ago and for the first 10 years or so people wouldn’t have known I had Parkinson’s Disease. In fact at times I remember thinking ‘I’ve not got PD.’ However, soon afterwards things changed and that’s when I decided to teach myself the finer details of photography using the internet.
How did you start creating your beautiful calendars?
We have holiday house at Potato Point on the NSW South Coast. The scenery and wildlife there are just astonishing, so I’ve never been short of subject matter. One day a friend saw a calendar I had made for my family and asked me if I would make her one. I’m not sure how this happened, but before I knew it, I was making calendars and raising money for the local Rural Fire Service. That was seven years ago and my calendars have now raised over $12,000.
Interestingly, the local community at Potato Point comprises many retired people who regularly travel internationally with family/friends overseas. As a result, my calendars have been sent to people in Norway, England, Germany, USA, New Zealand, Italy, South Africa and France.
Why did you decide to donate the proceeds to Parkinson’s research?
In 2022 (during Covid), as we live in Canberra, I decided to begin producing calendars to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research. I made a Canberra Bird calendar and a Canberra Scenery calendar. I do all the calendars voluntarily and all proceeds go to worthwhile causes.
What inspires you to make a difference?
I was inspired by Clyde Campbell, who, after his diagnosis, decided to do something about Parkinson’s disease. Clyde and his brother pay for all the administrative costs and raise money for Parkinson’s research.
How can people order their own calendar?
Please text me on 0412075322 or email gailstortz@me.com if you’re interested in ordering a calendar or want to learn more. All proceeds go to Shake It Up.
