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Catherine’s Paint and Pour for Parkinson’s Event
Tuesday, 21st April 2026
During April, for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we have been inviting our community to choose their own ‘P’ themed challenge or event to raise funds for research.
Our generous community have supported this year with all kinds of fundraisers, from pickleball and planks to pancakes and pizzas. Shake It Up supporter Catherine took a creative approach and hosted a Paint and Pour for Parkinson’s event, where she invited friends and family to join her in raising funds for a cure.
“I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at 44, while raising my two daughters and working in education”, Catherine told us about her motivation to get involved. “When Parkinson’s Awareness Month approached, I wanted to create something that felt joyful, social and accessible — something that would bring people together while also shining a light on Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.”
We heard more from Catherine about this wonderful event, and what inspired her to make a difference and increase understanding about Parkinson’s.
Hi Catherine! Tell us about your ‘Paint and Pour’ fundraiser.
Paint and Pour for Parkinson’s grew from two parts of my life that mean a great deal to me: my work as a primary school teacher, where creativity is part of every day and my love of painting as a way to unwind and connect with others.
The idea was simple: an afternoon of painting, conversation and community, supported by generous local businesses and friends. I sold 27 tickets, set up canvases in my parents’ beautiful garden and created a relaxed space where people could enjoy a glass of wine, try something new and learn a little more about Parkinson’s. It was a way of using what I love to do to make a difference — and it ended up raising $4,000 for Shake It Up Australia.
What were some of the highlights of the event?
The heart of the whole afternoon was seeing people from all different parts of my life come together for a shared purpose.
Friends, colleagues, neighbours, family, my daughters and their friends… all in one place, laughing, painting, supporting, and showing up for something bigger than themselves.
There was such warmth in the air. Local businesses like The Lilydale General, Bianchet Winery, Rumour Mill Café, and others donated food, wine, footy tickets,vouchers, and raffle items. Friends brought champagne and platters. My daughters and their friends volunteered as wait staff. My parents opened their home and garden.
It felt like a tapestry of generosity — every person contributing something unique. That sense of community was the part I cherished most.
What motivated you to get involved with Parkinson’s Awareness Month in support of Shake It Up?
Like many people with YOPD, my symptoms were subtle at first, and the diagnosis came as a shock. Since then, I’ve learned how misunderstood Parkinson’s can be — especially for younger people — and how vital research is in improving early diagnosis, slowing progression, and ultimately finding a cure.
Shake It Up Australia is an organisation I deeply admire. Their partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation and their 100% to research funding model means every dollar raised goes directly to scientific progress.
Supporting them during Parkinson’s Awareness Month felt like a meaningful way to turn my own experience into advocacy, awareness, and hope.
Our mission is to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s disease. What would this mean to you?
To slow, stop, or cure Parkinson’s would mean everything — not just for me, but for my daughters, my family and the thousands of Australians living with this condition. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease and while many of us live full and active lives, the uncertainty of what lies ahead is always present.
A future where progression could be halted would give people like me time — time to parent, to work, to contribute, to live without the shadow of decline. A cure would be life changing. It would mean freedom, possibility and the chance to imagine a future not defined by Parkinson’s.
That’s why research matters so deeply.
What is your advice for someone else wanting to make a difference this April?
Start with what you love and what you have. You don’t need a huge event or a big budget — you just need a spark of an idea and the willingness to ask people to join you.
Lean into your strengths. For me, that was art and teaching. For someone else, it might be baking, running, hosting a dinner, or organising a workplace morning tea. People genuinely want to help; they just need an invitation.
And remember: every conversation raises awareness, every dollar funds research and every effort — big or small — contributes to a future where Parkinson’s can be slowed, stopped, or cured.
You can make a donation or start your own fundraiser to support Shake It Up this April. Every dollar counts in the quest for a cure, and 100% of donations raised will go directly to cutting-edge researchers here in Australia. Click here to get involved today.
