Under the hammer for hospice
Counties Inn is closing down and donating a plethora of different items to the Franklin Hospice.
The Pukekohe hotel is shutting up shop to make way for the new New World supermarket coming to town.
Franklin Hospice chief executive Ric Odom said the Counties Inn was a great supporter of Franklin Hospice and his team was very grateful for the donation. The hospice will hold a monster auction for all of the items at the end of the month.
‘‘The things that were donated out of Counties Inn were really the contents of the rooms, and quite a lot of the contents of the restaurant,’’ Odom said.
‘‘We’re talking about more than 2000 items. And that includes mini fridges, irons and ironing boards, kettles, hair dryers, bedside tables, beds ... there’s just a heap of stuff.
Owner of the Counties Inn building, James Chapman, was glad to donate the items which he said would otherwise be destined for destruction.
‘‘I think we’re just pleased to be able to help Franklin Hospice and I hope it (the auction) goes well for them,’’ Chapman said.
‘‘I’m in a position where hospice has helped my family, so we’re doing it because we appreciate the work they do in the district.’’
The auction would take place at the Franklin A&P Showgrounds at Somerville Hall through Gate 6, on June 30.
Odom said he was thankful to the Franklin A&P Society which would store the items for auction for free, since the hospice moved everything out of Counties Inn earlier this month.
Franklin A&P Society secretary Jannine Goodhew said they were more than happy to help when Odom asked.
‘‘The Franklin Hospice do a lot for the community ... we have the space down here, we own the grounds down here and we really want to assist the community.’’
The doors open for viewing at 11am and the auction starts at 12pm. No reserves, everything must go, payment must be made by cash, eftpos or credit card on the day. Food and refreshments would also be available at the auction.