AFTER closing the doors for the final time earlier this year, Café Catalpa owners, Colin, Heather, and Michael Hilsdon donated the final day takings to the Western District Health Service (WDHS) MRI for U&I Appeal.

Late last month, the Hilsdon’s presented WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald with a cheque for $3000.

For the family who ran the iconic Tarrington café for 13 years, donating to the MRI Appeal was an easy decision.

Mrs Hilsdon said the family was keen to give back to the whole community who have loyally supported them over the years.

“There are times in life that people will have to use an MRI … so that’s what we wanted to do to thank the community who have thanked us and supported us all these years … that’s our way of saying thank you to them,” she said.

Mr Hilsdon said he was inspired to donate to the fund after hearing an ad for the MRI For U&I Appeal on the radio.

“We were thinking, how could we thank the wider community, ie. Hamilton, and I just heard the MRI Appeal on the radio, and I thought, that’s it,” he said.  

“When you have to get things like that done, you don’t want a four-hour round trip, an hour long wait, and all that sort of stuff, particularly with everything we’ve been through (COVID-19).

“You really hope that you don’t need to use it, but it’s there, and it’s there for everyone.”

While selling up after over a decade in business might be cause for slowing down, the Hilsdon’s have no intention of doing so.

Michael has taken a break from the kitchen and continues to work at his vineyard, Henty Estate, and has plans to plant more vines soon.

Colin and Heather remain open to any new opportunities that may present themselves and have had a busy few months helping out at Henty Estate, working on their own property and running around after their eight grandchildren.