New retreat needs helpers
A retreat for people struggling with life challenges, has been a vision for former Dean Jamie Allen and his wife Suzy for several years and on Saturday last week that vision became reality with the opening of the Taranaki Retreat.
This has been made possible through the incredible efforts of the team that they have.
In the words of Mike King ‘‘This isn’t just a whare or a retreat for vulnerable people, it is an example of what communities can do if we bind together, and this is a community coming together and saying ‘we care’. ‘‘
The Taranaki Retreat provides a time out space with support for families and individuals to stay free of charge. It has been a long time coming for the family, and Taranaki region. In 2014 the Allens sold their home in New Plymouth to fund the construction of the retreat - a decision they made after the death of daughter, Carrie, from cancer in 2012. Now that the building is in place and people are due to arrive there is a need to have extra people available to help - as the saying goes ‘‘many hands make light work’’.
Are you a good listener and non-judgmental and available to help as a driver, companion, cook, budget support or support worker? Training and support will be provided by Jamie and Suzy and the team. If you are interested please contact Marie at Volunteering New Plymouth, phone (06)758-8986, text 027 541 0577 or email npvsnz@yahoo.co.nz for further details.
‘‘This is a community coming together and saying 'we care'. ’’
Mike King