Kia ora and welcome to this edition of The Old Times. I hope this email finds you well during these unusual times, and unusual they are! You can't imagine my surprise when out on my walk last week, I saw this beautiful piggy having a swim in the Aotea Harbour; nature truly is magical! Due to the lock down, our wonderful volunteers have temporarily been stood down, so Brent and I have been out and about shopping for some of our clients who have neither family or friends to help, and have noticed how quickly people have adapted to the social distancing rule and how courteous everyone is; there really is a sense of calm out there. What's also very encouraging, is seeing the number of people riding their bikes or taking a walk; things that might not have been a priority before. Take care and best wishes
Lucy Willard Membership and Events Coordinator
Thanks to Jacqui Eyley, CEO of Age Concern Wellington and her team, who decided to take the bull by the horns and create a SAY Go video which has been uploaded to their new YouTube channel. 'I think it’s important to maintain as much contact with our older people as possible, and while many don’t have access to the internet, many others are quite adept! In the video link below, you’ll find our Health Promo Coordinator, Ann Dalziel’s cheerful persona going through the standard exercises in her garden with help from her dog. We decided not to include the walking exercises as these could be difficult to do safely at home. I hope you enjoy the video. You are welcome to share it. Thanks also to Age Concern Otago for supporting this venture!'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf7_hyHEwBk
As more New Zealanders step up to help in their communities and offer support to the most vulnerable, there are fears some may be taking advantage of people's generosity.
Police in the Southland District have had multiple reports of people from their community posing as Red Cross collectors. However, both the police and Red Cross have warned this is not happening.
The Red Cross, nor any other money-collecting charity, can carry this out while New Zealand is in a state of emergency and in a nationwide lockdown.
Red Cross told 1 NEWS they are willing to help the New Zealand isn't changing despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some of the organisation's disaster relief volunteers are helping out essential service workers throughout the country, and their Meals on Wheels service is still operating.
However, the Red Cross was clear that any face-to-face fundraising efforts was not happening at this stage. Read more
AwesoME have collated resources that are being shared online, you can find them here at their free resources page. Here are some of those resources (this came from the AwesoME newsletter) Here are some helpful links for entertainment and inspiration:
Help is available
For anyone wanting a food parcel. Vinnies food parcels 07 847 4044 or text 021 435 878 or office@svdpham.org.nz or Facebook @vinnieshamilton Hamilton Central Baptist Church - 07-838 0375 https://www.foodbank.co.nz/foodbanks 0800 800 405 helpline set up for Waikato people struggling to get food, groceries, medication or other household goods and services. Pak n Save is putting together and donating basic food packs to anyone who needs it. If you know of anyone who needs some help either let Bruce MacDonald know directly, Bruce@ageconcern.gen.nz or email welfare@cdthames.org.nz or ring Shana on 027 4981871. At this time, this is not limited to elders, so if specific stuff is needed, such as formula or nappies for babies etc, please mention that when you let them know of a need
Open Mon - Fri 8:30am - 3:00pm P. 07 838 2266 F. 07 838 2268
email: enquiries@ageconcern.gen.nz
Celebrating Age Centre 30 Victoria Street Hamilton 3204