The story of Fairlie’s jewel - Moreh Home
For years people having been suggesting to Alison Neill, now 85, that she record the remarkable story of Fairlie’s Moreh Home.
Finally, she has. Now all Neill has to do is find a volunteer subeditor to get the book ready for publishing. Her niece, Michelle Heintz, has typed up most of the pages but layout of photos and proof reading is still required.
The founder of Moreh Home has written the book about the ‘‘miracles’’ and generosity of the community, which has enabled the rest home facility to function without any government funding for almost 40 years.
Moreh houses up to 18 people, some of whom would not have access to residential care through the standard assessment.
Moreh is the only rest home in New Zealand which is not licensed with the Government, Neill said.
‘‘It is unique, it is the only one in New Zealand run on donations only,’’ she said.
If government subsidies were received then potential residents would have to meet certain criteria before being accepted.
‘‘Some of the ones here are here through sheer loneliness, which is a big thing in older years. If they were government-assessed they would get home help until they could no longer function themselves.’’
In her as yet untitled book, Neill talks about what she calls miracles of provision and the amazing generosity of the people of Fairlie and the support of her family who have played and ongoing role in the home. She does not believe in coincidences.
‘‘It’s about God’s overriding faithfulness. We have never been left in the lurch, there’s always been a constant flow of (items and money).’’
She has recorded numerous examples of needs being met, such as people turning up with a cheque for the exact amount required for something, food items, or the Lions Club fundraising and taking on working bees.
To protect the identity of residents, Neill has given them different names but writes about them fondly. The stories range from compassion in action to some hilarious incidents, and of course about the people who have worked and volunteered at the home.