Saying thanks with lunch
The Eden Alternative, a philosophy focused on making life for those in residential care as close as possible to what it would be in their own homes, is well established at Switzer Residential Care in Kaitaia.
“The Eden Alternative complements our philosophy. It aims to empower residents, staff and families. It is a philosophy based on health, wellness, and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of our residents by alleviating loneliness, helplessness and boredom, and promoting a person-centred approach to care,” general manager Jackie Simkins said.
“At Switzer we believe it’s not the years in the life but the life in the years that matters most, and we work hard to ensure that we provide an environment where people can flourish in a real human habitat that includes regular and consistent access to plants, animals and children.”
That would not be possible, she added, without the support of the small army of volunteers who played a huge role in life at the home every day of the year.
Volunteer co-ordinators Gail and Brian Gillespie had expanded the opportunities for residents to develop new relationships, to participate in meaningful activities, and to have one-on-one time with visitors.
“We appreciate their efforts, and thank all our volunteers,” she added.
“Volunteers bring variety and spontaneity to the lives of our residents, contributing to meaningful activities such as cooking, reading, art, exercise, and looking after the animals and plants.
“Visit our website (www.switzer.org.nz) and read about volunteering at Switzer. We would love to hear from you.”
Volunteers had been thanked in a tangible way when they were invited to the home as guests for an alfresco lunch. An auction of artworks donated by Whanganui-based artist Peter Ireland has raised more than $10,000 towards a new Russell Museum.
The 13 original works, all inspired by the Bay of Islands, sold smartly under the gavel of Mayor John Carter at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Museum trust chairman Terry Greening said the internationally collectable artist had been “amazingly generous” to the building project.
“This excellent auction result builds upon previous efforts that have all made it possible to lodge our resource consent application in the New Year. We’ve been through more than two years of community, stakeholder and iwi consultation and, with this auction, we’re now firmly under way,” he said.
Mr Ireland said the artworks explored the shared history of the area, reflecting the spirit that guided the present museum and had inspired the concepts for its redevelopment.
“I’m a big fan of community museums and galleries, because they express the heart beat of a region through their collections,” he said.
“This new museum project is exciting because, like these paintings, it will tell stories that are from the past but reach into the future.
Museum curator Kate Martin hoped the uptake of artworks by mostly Russell residents and regular visitors meant some of the works would be available for a future Peter Ireland exhibition.
The new multi-million-dollar museum, designed by the Isthmus group, will be built on the existing site but will be turned 180 degrees to face the sea instead of the street.