Rest home motors along with new vehicle grant from Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury
Updated: Jun 11, 2018
A trust grant has helped a Timaru rest home buy a new van to get residents out into the community.
The Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury has approved donations totalling $329,000 to 18 applicants throughout the region in its latest round of funding including Glenwood Home which has received $20,000 towards the purchase of a $34,500 wheelchair-accessible community van.
The 2012 Toyota Hiace will replace the home's 1993 Nissan Caravan and according to Glenwood Home facility manager Veronica Ligteringen, there will be enough room for two residents in wheelchairs, or a wheelchair and a hospital chair, seating nine people at a time.
Ligteringen said the home will use money left to them through bequests, and other grants, to complete the purchase.
"We are very grateful for this wonderful contribution to Glenwood Home which has made the purchase of the new van possible."
The 42-bed facility was upgraded to hospital level care about two years ago which meant increased staffing and buying new equipment, Ligteringen said.
The home's new van is a former Geraldine Trust pool vehicle and is undertaking a transformation at the moment, she said.
"The old van has a hoist in it which was put in about five years ago but it meant you had to take the seat up every time. It can be a challenge getting in and out of the van."
The new van will ensure a smooth ride, and comfort, she said.
It is used to take residents, and some villa residents, around town for shopping trips and outings. It is used several times a week.
It is hoped the old van will be sold, at a reasonable rate, to a community group as Ligteringen said it would be good to see it used in the community still.
Other South Canterbury community groups to benefit from the funding announcement include $5000 to the Temuka and District Projects Trust to have a second vehicle. The Temuka RSA has offered residents the use of their van and the support of their volunteer drivers as part of a community vehicle pilot scheme. The trust's donation will cover running costs for the first year of operations.
The Parkinsonism Society of South Canterbury received $10,000, the Aoraki Multicultural Council $7500, South Canterbury Women's Wellness Centre $2000 and the Te Aitarakihi Trust received $15,000.
Other recipients are: * Glenavy School - $1000 * Waimate Rugby Football Club - $15,000 * YMCA Mid and South Canterbury - $50,000 * Family Mental Health Support - $5000 * Royal New Zealand Plunket Trust - $10,000 * Aorangi Golf Association - $5000 * Ka Toi Māori o Aoraki and Korohi O Te Pepi - $3500
