Interclub Volume 27 Issue 1 2021

14 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 - 2021 Generous bequest for levin Home Royal New Zealand Air Force Warrant Officer, P72923, John Walter Allomes left a generous bequest to Enliven’s Levin Home for War Veterans which will provide for a substantial upgrade to the home’s hospital wing, named Kowhai. Little is known about the motivation for the donation, as Mr Allomes did not have a recorded history with Levin Home but his time in the RNZAF is the most likely link. “His generosity will make a large difference to the day to day running of the facility as well as adding greatly to the comfor t of the residents,” says Levin Home Manager Michelle Day. “The residents and staff are looking forward to the refurbishment in Kowhai and the new look which will mean lovely surroundings for all to enjoy. "The changes will increase the ability of the residents to go outside to engage with nature more easily, as well as creating more a more effective environment for us to provide care for them.” Presbyterian Suppor t Central Asset Manager, Oliver Meehan, says the building tender has gone out. Work is due to begin mid-year and be complete by late 2021. The project’s design work was done by Wellington-based Workspace Architects. The upgrade includes brand new bathroom facilities for 10 rooms. Lighting, carpet and wall linings will also be fully upgraded. The wall on the exterior of these rooms will be replaced with new aluminium double- glazed joinery with sliding windows. The lounge will be fully upgraded, including installation of a new ceiling to close in pipework. New sliding doors will also be installed in the lounge to allow level access to the new sunshade area. Corridors will be completely upgraded and the nurse’s office/medical room will be reconfigured to allow for optimum ease of use. Levin Home for War Veterans offers rest home, hospital and dementia care, as well as shor t-term respite care. To learn more about the home, located on the corner of Matai and Prouse Streets, visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 06 366 0052. c l u b l i f e : R n Z R S a “i am pleased that along with the actual anzac gatherings, we will also be continuing the Stand at dawn concept developed last year.” Working together through the challenges of Covid pandemic bJ clark QSM national president RnZRSa T he last year has been one, which has tested the team of five million in many ways. It showed one very impor tant aspect of achieving a desired outcome - we needed to work together. It proved that if we do then anything can be achieved. At the RSA our membership is our strength and to fully utilise that strength we need to suppor t each other in everything we do. This organisation was formed to provide suppor t to those who have served. We disrespect those who carried the mantle in the past if we don’t all work to ensure that those who have served, are serving and will serve in the future, can rely on the RSA to suppor t them in their time of need. This responsibility is placed upon all those who choose to be a member of the RSA. Our own organisation has had to look at different ways to provide suppor t to our people over the past year and we can be very proud of how we coped. We were very pleased when the government announced a grant of $2.53 million from the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund for veteran suppor t. One of the requirements was that it was to be spent by the June 2021 30, and I must admit, and I know there were many who shared my concern, I did not think we would achieve that. However with some incredible work, very long hours, and a desire to ensure great outcomes, the national office team, our district suppor t managers, district presidents, and many others, have achieved what initially seemed to be a very difficult task. What it has proven is, even with our current effor ts to meet the needs of our veterans and their families, there is more that can be done if we have the required resources. So, to all involved, I thank you sincerely and you can be extremely proud that you continue to uphold the values of this great organisation. Poppy Day and Anzac Day are fast approaching and I am holding my breath that we can keep Covid-19 at bay and have our annual collection to continue the work of suppor ting our veterans. And of course the oppor tunity to have our Anzac Day services to remember those who have served or are currently serving. I am pleased that along with the actual Anzac gatherings, we will also be continuing the Stand at Dawn concept developed last year. This will allow those who are unable to attend a physical service to be par t of Anzac Day. Take care, look after one another and stay safe.