14
The Eastbourne Herald, 26 September 2015
Okiwi Trust fulfils vital community role by Anne Manchester Okiwi Trust volunteers are enabling many elderly people to stay living in the community and in their own homes much longer than they might otherwise do. The Trust was established in 2001, following the sale of Okiwi House on Muritai Road, which provided a home for many elderly residents of the community. These days, the tr ust provides transport for people needing to get to medical appointments, to the hospital, hairdresser or shops, as well as offering outings to the cinema and DVD screenings, accompanied by a light lunch, at the East Harbour Women’s Okiwi Trust users, from left, Jo Fitzgerald, Irene Young, Ken Longmore, Pat Moore and Maureen Hoy enjoy lunch, provided courClub. Volunteers are also tesy of Cotti in Days Bay and the Pavilion, at the East Harbour Women's Club after a DVD screening in August. available to assist with small to call on the trust for help. The trust has helped get him to a range of jobs around the home. “A lot of elderly people don’t like asking for medical appointments - in the village, to Hutt Society is changing rapidly and many elderly help. We value our independence, but we should and Wellington Hospitals, and to specialist people can now no longer rely on the help of not be shy to ask for help when we need it.” appointments on The Terrace. children living close by. Being able to get local Lorna Mason is another Days Bay resident “I used to go to the DVD and film screenings, help provides these people with a lifeline. Shirley who is grateful for the help she gets from the but I have stopped recently, as I get too tired Burns of Days Bay has two daughters living in trust. these days. I don’t know what I would have Sydney and a son in the Wairarapa. “I used to drive, but my sight is not good done without the help of the Okiwi Trust drivers. She still lives in the house her husband enough these days. I have a mobility scooter, but They help me in a personal way. "A taxi driver Blackie built in the 1950s and is understandably wouldn’t give you their arm to help get you into don’t like taking it out on wet days.” very attached to her surroundings. the car, would they?” Mrs Mason, now 95, particularly enjoys the “I am a very independent person and still For more information about the Okiwi Trust cinema trips and the monthly DVD screenings drive my own car, but over the last few years I have had a number of operations, including knee at the women’s club. She has high praise for trust and the suggested donations for trust users, go and hip replacements and cataract removals,” said coordinator Pippa de Court, who she describes to www.okiwi.org.nz or call Pippa on 0800 as “a god-send” and as someone she feels she can 654 942. Mrs Burns, who turns 90 next year. ring anytime she needs help. “Each time I have been recuperating from “The DVD screenings are a good social these operations, Okiwi drivers have come to event, as is going to the cinema. I have always my aid, helping me get to specialist follow-up appointments. This has enabled me to stay living liked going to the movies, but would not go on my own now. It’s just too difficult organising in my home and in the community. the transport.” “I have recently re-joined the trust’s monthly Mrs Mason, too, intends staying in her trips to the Lighthouse Cinema in Petone. It’s waterfront home for as long as she can great having the company. Getting to know the volunteer drivers is another pleasure - they are all preferably until “they carry me out”. Eastbourne resident Brian Hurst has had, such lovely people. This is another great way of until recently, a disability licence that allowed getting to know people in Eastbourne.” Mrs Burns still takes piano lessons and drives him to drive within a 10 km radius from his herself to her monthly Lower Hutt music group. home. As his balance and sight have worsened, However, she knows the day will come when she he has used the trust a great deal. Specialist in semi permanent “In fact I would have been lost without it,” will feel less confident to drive that far. he said. eyelash extensions When that time comes, she will not hesitate Now working out of “The Beauty Myth” hair salon, in the Village Corner
Extension Room
DESIGNS ON YOU by Elaine Parr • • •
Personal wardrobe makeovers Original designs Thrift shopping expert
elaine@designsonyou.co.nz mobile: 027 349 8635 www.designsonyou.co.nz
一䄀䤀䰀
䐀攀猀椀最渀 戀礀 刀漀稀
Summer is around the corner. Why not spoil your hands and feet with a gel manicure/pedicure?
Contact Roz 021 482 160 to make a booking. Or pm me on facebook.com/naildesignbyroz
10% off all lash applications until the end of October 2015
Private and flexible late night appointments available: Bookings essential
Ph or txt 0210326287 Fb Extension Room www.extensionroom.co.nz