Andrew and Linda Prentice generously donate time to OTIS at their holiday home, Villa Mondo, on the Sunshine Coast.
Having survived her own breast cancer diagnosis, Linda is passionate about encouraging other holiday property owners to make a difference by donating the down time at their holiday home to The OTIS Foundation.
As with many holiday homes, our duplex in Elizabeth St, Noosaville is vacant for many weeks of the year. My husband and I donate that time to The OTIS Foundation. OTIS provides retreat accommodation at no cost to women and their families experiencing the challenges of breast cancer.
We feel that if we are not using the unit and if it’s not being rented out, then OTIS could be making good use of our little piece of paradise.
OTIS organises everything and pays for any costs involved (cleaning etc). The unit provides a haven for those dealing with breast cancer who often so desperately need a break.
Having survived breast cancer, I know how it feels to be consumed by the fear of the unknown and the known, the endless appointments that dictate your life, the physical and mental challenges faced every day. I also know the importance of a retreat for families and friends to re-energise, re-evaluate, relax and re-connect.
Going to an OTIS retreat gives those dealing with breast cancer and those closest to them a break from the everyday challenges and gives them a chance to step outside that space and refocus on themselves and their loved ones. I have seen and felt the difference that makes and it was this that prompted my husband and I to offer our property to OTIS.
Our unit has been enjoyed and respected by the guests who have used it.
You only need to read the entries in the Visitor Book OTIS provided, to see that what we are doing is making an important difference in people’s lives. This is very satisfying and humbling because we feel it is such a simple thing for us to do, and yet has a huge impact.
We are writing this to let other holiday home/unit owners know about The OTIS Foundation’s work and to ask if there is anyone else interested in donating some time at their property for those needing it most. There are wait lists for the four properties already available in Queensland, particularly in the Noosa area.
We guarantee it’s a very rewarding experience.
Thank you
Linda Prentice
We are currently in urgent need of Queensland properties to support guests waiting for a stay in this state.
You, or someone you know, could be the next generous property donor.
Find out more