Jessie, John, Doreen, Robert… all of these wonderful people are living on through their legacy, supporting children and elders in need. We look at how their generosity is changing lives.
Every year more than $250-million dollars is bequeathed to New Zealand charities by generous individuals who want to make a difference for future generations. PSC’s Enliven and Family Works services are the lucky benefactors of just a small portion of those gifts, which over the years have ranged from $1000 to almost $1-million.
Doreen’s legacy lets the sunshine in
At Longview Home elders have been soaking up the sun in the home’s new sunroom, and the benefits are plenty. The sunroom with a view of the Tawa valley was made possible thanks to a gift from former resident Doreen Crawford.
“Doreen was a resident at Longview Home for around 10 years. I remember her being very astute. She was tall and liked her independence,” recalls Longview Home Health Care Assistant Nerald Davey.
“Doreen always enjoyed social activities and being entertained,” says Nerald, and thinks she would be pleased with the
difference her generous gift is making to the lives of Longview Home’s elders.
Decorated in soft blues and greens which echo the garden outside, the newly created room has doors which lead out onto a patio and to the lawn beyond.
“For residents whose mobility means they can no longer get outside easily, the sunroom provides a place where they can still feel the sun on their skin and the breeze on their face,” says Enliven General Manager Nicola Turner.
“It’s been an amazing addition to the home and the wellbeing of elders.” For those who are able, the park benches just outside the sunroom provide the opportunity to soak up some rays in a beautiful garden setting.
Of course, just as Doreen would have enjoyed, the sunroom is also being used for social gatherings, games, puzzles, and the odd party!
A true patriot’s final gift
Royal New Zealand Airforce Warrant Officer John Walter Allomes (P72923) is continuing to care for his comrades and their families, even after his death.
After his passing in 2018, John (also known as Jack) left the residuary of his estate to Enliven’s Levin War
Veterans Home.
“Warrant Officer Allomes didn’t specify how he wanted us to use his extremely generous gift, but it’s important to us that we honour his name,” explains General Manager External Relations Alisha Kennedy.
The senior leadership team selected two projects – both of which will make a life-changing difference to elders and their families. The first project sees Enliven redeveloping the home’s ‘old admin block’, aptly named Patriot House, as a
specialist training centre and accommodation for student nurses as well as resident’s families.
“Within this one project, John’s gift helps us connect families, particularly those who live out of town, with their loved ones and provides a much-needed centre of excellence for training the nurses and healthcare assistants that provide the daily support for Enliven elders,” says Alisha.
But that’s not the only project planned in John’s name.
“We’re also planning an upgrade to Kowhai (Levin Home’s hospital wing), in particular the lounge area, garden access, and some bathrooms which will provide a direct benefit to elders who require the highest level of medical care and support.
“We sincerely wish we could have thanked Warrant Officer Allomes for his incredible gift,” says Alisha.
A brighter future for our children
When Robbie Reeves passed away surrounded by family in Wellington in 2019, his legacy lived on in the direct support he would provide for children and families in dire need.
Robert, or Robbie as he was known to friends and family, left a generous gift in his Will – funds to support social services in Wellington.
“I sometimes wonder if he knew what an amazing lifeline he was giving these kids,” says Family Works General Manager Julia Hennessy.
“Through the counselling and social work services that Mr Reeves has supported, Family Works is helping kids across the Wellington region every, single, day.”
Often that help is literally lifesaving.
“Many of these children and young people have experienced more trauma than most of us can imagine. Many have been living in poverty and dealing with violence, hunger, grief, bullying or neglect,” says Julia.
“Thoughts of suicide and a feeling of helplessness are far too common among these children, but with Mr Reeves support we’ve been able to give them the tools and skills to build resilience and hope for a brighter future. How can we thank him enough!?”
