The need to provide a van at Thornton Park Retirement Village has united two community groups in a common cause.

The Quota Club of Ōpōtiki has donated proceeds from its main annual fund raiser, The Book Fest, to Friends of Ōpōtiki Seniors, who are in the process of raising money to purchase a wheelchair friendly 11-seater van. They already have about $25,000 towards their goal, needing about $50,000 in total to cover the cost of the vehicle plus insurance, running and other costs.

Quota Club spokesperson Lois Watson said such a van is a clear need in the community and her group were delighted to lend a hand.

“In a town this size, everyone knows everyone so we’re well aware of the problems created by isolation and lack of adequate transportation,” Ms Watson said.

“At present Thornton Park can’t offer its own transportation for outings, to run people to-and-from medical appointments or to evacuate them in the event of a civil defence emergency.

“It is clear to us that providing such a vehicle is a pressing need there and in the community at large.”

A spokesperson for the Friends of Ōpōtiki Community Seniors, Ms Rhonda Anstis, said the decision has been made to purchase an existing van from Peria House which is now under-utilised.

“This vehicle would be perfect for providing transportation, but it is now only being used once a week. We see a wider need than just using it for Thornton Park residents.  We want to serve all relevant populations, meaning Thornton Park, Peria House, plus elderly people living alone who are isolated and lonely.”

Ms Anstis’s group was motivated by having parents or relatives in Thorton Park and seeing their predicament.

Aside from seeing relatives unable to get out and about to fulfil social needs, they were particularly concerned over the likelihood of a sudden evacuation due to an extreme weather event, tsunami or some other emergency.

“We are deeply touched that the Quota Club has donated the proceeds of its last Book Fest to this cause and hope other businesses and individuals will also come to the party.

“It’s clear the cost of travelling to Whakatāne for medical treatment is just too much for many of our elderly and disabled people. Above all, there is the sense of loneliness – a vehicle like this can provide the first step to a fuller life, by helping these folk get out to meet others and make friends.”

BACKING THE VAN: From left Sonia Rutter, Rhonda Anstis and Justine Hennessy (Friends of Ōpōtiki Seniors). Lois Watson, Jill Theobald, Florence Craig and Vera Hustler (Quota Club of Ōpōtiki).