Funding milestone met to provide more psychogeriatric dementia

By Petrina Wright | Posted: Wednesday September 18, 2024

The need for more psychogeriatric dementia beds in Southland has resonated with funders with more than two-thirds of the funds raised in support of the development of Peacehaven Village’s Iona D6 dementia unit.

Within less than six months of putting the call out, $330,583 has been raised for the project thanks to the generosity of numerous individuals, community groups and community funders, with only $55,417 left to raise.

“As is so often the case in Southland, the community has pulled together to get behind an important project for the region,” Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) chief executive Matt Russell said.

“We’re extremely grateful to all our community funding partners who have contributed to the project despite financially challenging times. In particular, the ILT Foundation, Stewart Family Charitable Trust, PH Vickery Trust, Guy Anson Waddel Charitable Trust, and Aotearoa Gaming Trust.

“We’ve also had several private donors generously support the expansion.”

The project, expected to cost $386,000 excl GST, involves creating six additional bedrooms as part of an upgrade of Peacehaven’s Iona dementia care unit by repurposing office and storeroom space within the existing building footprint.

Fire safety compliance work is being done as well as equipping and furnishing each new room, creating a new nurse station and nurse call system and refreshing the lounge and kitchenette.

Work began in mid-August and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

A big thank you to everyone who has contributed so far, including Stewart Family Charitable Trust, PH Vickery Trust, JBW McKenzie Trust, Guy Anson Waddel Charitable Trust, Southland Care & Welfare Trusts - Duncan Bickley Trust, Southland Masonic Charitable Trust, ILT Foundation, Aotearoa Gaming Trust and Riverton Lions Club.

• If you still wish to support the Iona D6 project, you can donate online at pss.org.nz/get-involved/donate or email fundraising@pss.org.nz.