Spring 2019 THINKING DIFFERENTLY PROVIDES A VARIETY OF SUPPORT

Thinking outside the square about how best to meet the increasingly We received a total of $15,733 for the leaders at YouthGrow to complex needs of clients of all ages has been at the heart of our further their education. On top of thinking in the last 12 months. this, we raised $1,500 from the raffle held on the day. Thank you to Tuapeka Gold It has been a busy and exciting year. started this project at the beginning of Print for the donation of the raffle prizes. We have received financial donations, the school year. The more experienced food for the foodbank, toiletries for our knitters provided training for those who We are delighted to have received over families, hand-made knitted blankets, had not tried knitting before. 95,700 items donated to the foodbank duvets, toys and books, preloved items over the past 12 months. We have gifted the blankets to clients for resale, and our volunteers have put in to keep them warm this winter. You All of us at Presbyterian Support many hours to help us out in all areas of can see one of our clients – Vanellope – are very grateful for the ongoing support our organisation. We are very grateful to treasuring her new blanket below. we receive from you all and we are you all who have helped us achieve great confident that the next 12 months will be The Rail Walk Fundraiser things for our communities. an exciting time for the organisation. We was a real hit and we filled the train The Annual Giving campaign raised a simply could not offer the programmes with 400 keen supporters.We really total of $240,303 in financial donations and services we do without your help. appreciated the support from between July 2018 to June 2019. Thank you! South Lions Community Trust and One of the highlights this year was and the many If you would like to support us you can receiving ten hand knitted blankets from volunteers for making this day possible. make a contribution online at the girls at Columba College. The girls www.psotago.org.nz or fill out the gift form on the back page and post it to us.

Above: Columba College students donate their knitted blankets. Photo courtesy of ODT. Left: Vanellope enjoying her new blanket. Centre (from left): Family Works Director Paul Hooper and Supporter Development Manager Jude McCracken recieve a donation from Dunedin South Lions Community Trust spokesperson Allan Hamilton. following the Taieri Gorge Rail Walk. 2

INTRODUCING OUR NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER and has 20 years of experience in senior and half marathons and am an avid roles in the health industry, in New reader and researcher.” Zealand and the UK. “As a Christian I have been privileged to Jo is a Registered Nurse and has been work and volunteer through the years involved with the Alzheimers Society at for several organisations who provide both a local and national level. care to members of the community in need. This is an important part of Presbyterian Support Otago Board who I am, and it drives my energy and Chair Tim Mepham said “The Board enthusiasm for transformation in our were impressed with the experience, social environment.” energy and strategic thinking that Jo demonstrated, along with her desire to Jo’s initial focus will be travelling pursue personal development in around the community meeting people, herself and others. We are very pleased and listening to everyone involved Jo Rowe started as our new to have Jo join us and lead the with, working for, or supporting our organisation forward.” organisation in some way, about their Chief Executive Officer on hopes and desires for the future. In introducing herself Jo writes, “I am a 2 September. mum of four, ranging in ages from nine Welcome to Presbyterian Support Otago, Prior to joining us, Jo was CEO at to 21 and am married to Jason, a Jo. We look forward to our journey together Mornington Health Centre in Dunedin Corrections Officer. I love to run full with you. LAUNCHING LINKAGE We're very proud to launch LinkAge - a free, easy-to-use app with links to services, resources and programmes available for older people in Dunedin area. Community Development Facilitator, Adrienne Henderson, demonstrates Interim Chief Executive Gillian Bremner LinkAge at the launch. launched the app at an afternoon event in July. The launch was attended by a group accessing resources. We’ve had 16,000 of older residents and representatives enquiries in the last twelve months and from many organisations who assist and I’m excited to see the LinkAge app being work alongside older people in Otago. available to support this growing need.” “What goes around comes around. Our Community Development team has Twenty years ago the organisation worked on developing LinkAge alongside produced a directory for older people in our project partners Age Concern Otago hard copy. With the development of this and Dunedin Public Libraries. Brett app we’re supporting the same need with Collins was responsible for the technical current technology,” said Gillian. development of LinkAge. LinkAge is free to download from the Age Concern Executive Officer Debbie Community input was sought during the Play store (Android). George said, “We’ve seen a significant development to ensure LinkAge includes increase in the number of people a useful range of information and is easy The project was made possible thanks to contacting us with enquiries about for older people to navigate. generous funding support from GigCity. 3

A LEGACY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Sometimes when we receive a bequest we are not aware of the connection the person, or family, has had with Presbyterian Support Otago.

In the case of the Malcom family, we have had conversations with the family over the years about the bequest we were to receive from Associate Professor Donald and Mrs Margaret Malcolm. Margy-Jean captured the relationship her parents had with Presbyterian Support Otago and Dunedin city: Donald was a quietly innovative pioneer, amongst the first in his field as a paediatrician to be doing things like establishing specialist neo-natal care for newborn babies, leading Donald and Margaret Malcolm look through their 65-year-old wedding photographs child abuse prevention initiatives and at their anniversary celebration in Dunedin. Photo courtesy of ODT. engaging in community-focused paediatrics. We therefore feel that it would be very We thank Margy-Jean and John Malcolm He brought his skills and strengths to the appropriate if their legacy was able to support and the extended Malcolm family very Presbyterian Support Otago Board for a the Family Works team to do some work much for honouring the wishes of number of years in Ken Irwin’s time as CEO. they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to, their parents and sharing with us the Margaret was a natural community builder in the community development space. We wonderful connection we have had with involved in supporting strong neighbourhood would like their bequest to help strengthen their family over a long period of time. connections wherever we lived, and an active neighbourhood connections, enrich children’s The Malcolm legacy will make a volunteer in numerous church and voluntary lives and support parents to be the best they difference and a positive impact on the organisation initiatives. can be. lives of our clients in Otago. We are sincerely grateful for this support. KNOWLEDGE TEST RAISES FUNDS Presbyterian Support Otago’s Fifteen teams competed at the helped out with prizes: Tuapeka Gold Kensington quiz. The winning team Print, Rialto Cinemas, Z Service Stations latest fundraiser was a great ‘Quizteama Aguilera’ came away with Dunedin, Stu Robbie (The Rockerman) night out, quizzing of course. some great goodies courtesy of Tuapeka and Jude McCracken (Nutrimetics Gold Print. We raised an Consultant). amazing total of $1,400 Congratulations to our major raffle from raffles and entry fees. prize winner, Maurice Burrowes, who All proceeds from the night took away a Breville Toaster and Kettle have gone to our Enliven package. Visiting Volunteers service Thank you to everyone who was involved where volunteers are paired – the fundraising team, sponsors, up with older people in the participants and the Kensington Tavern community to spend time for the quiz questions and venue. with them in their own homes. If you would like to support the Visiting Volunteers progamme visit our website – A big thank you to the www.psotago.org.nz. following sponsors who 4

VOLUNTEERING BRINGS JOY FOR JULIE

When you chat with Julie currently 30 Visiting Volunteers across Dawkins it quickly becomes the wider Dunedin area. clear that she’s passionate about Over the last two decades Julie has been connecting each week with clients, volunteering. visiting them for a chat and a cuppa. Julie was recently acknowledged for 25 Julie has supported 10 different clients. years spent volunteering at Presbyterian A quick calculation confirms that she Support Otago – an incredible has spent well over 2,000 hours length of time. as a Visiting Volunteer. Julie began volunteering at St Andrews “There is always plenty of conversations, Care Home in Dunedin, where she often about our families and various craft was assisting with resident activities. activities. All the people I’ve been paired She became involved with Visiting with have been different, but they are so Volunteers, and has spent most enjoyable and there are plenty of laughs." of her time supporting this programme. When asked about future plans Julie Visiting Volunteers provide regular, quickly replies, “I love being a Visiting ongoing contact and company for people Volunteer and have no intention living alone, often providing a link to of stopping. I’ve got plenty of years Thank you, Julie, for your volunteer the community for those who may be to go yet!” involvement as part of our team over the confined to their home. There are last 25 years. PAVING THE WAY FOR ONLINE CHARITY STORES

Presbyterian Support Otago We decided an online store was an ideal have recently taken on something way to reach a wider audience, and launched Shop On. among the first of its kind in Presbyterian Support Otago have the option to come in and see the New Zealand and established an Communications and Marketing item, or try it on, before buying it online. online charity store. Manager Warren Rosser said, “Our physical stores have been really popular “Online vintage stores are gaining with a range of visitors from other cities. popularity, but it’s unique to have a We wanted to offer an easy and ongoing charity store online in New Zealand. This way to keep connected and it’s been is an amazing way for people to support an exciting challenge to set up the Otago and the work we do, and they can online store and all the processes do it from the comfort of their couch.” involved in online shopping." “Shoppers can feel good knowing they Shop On ships nationwide, meaning are giving these treasures a second life, in buyers from all over New Zealand can addition to supporting people in need in purchase from the wide selection of the Otago community.” preloved treasures. New items are added every week. There The online shop has a variety of items, are many reasons to support this great including menswear, womenswear, cause, so go on, Shop On! jewellery and accessories, homewares and collectibles. Dunedin buyers Visit www.shopon.org.nz. 5

PUBLIC SHOWS AMAZING SUPPORT

Octacan was held in June and was another demonstration of generous support from the Otago community.

For our eleventh Octacan, the day began “Octacan is not just an event to with cold temperatures and frosty ground. This didn’t stop the public, and collect donations to restock the donations started being dropped off at shelves, but a reminder that 7.10am. Across the day many generous people and groups came along with cans there are people out there who and food items to fill the nine hearts need the support we can provide. drawn in the Octagon. The community response to this This year’s Octacan was no different to others, attracting a positive atmosphere need is always very generous and with families, businesses, schools, humbling to see.” students, kindergartens, individuals and halls of residence making the trip down We would like to thank Better Moves for to the Octagon to add their donations to providing their help with shifting cans the hearts. at the end of the day – they made an Supporter Development Manager Jude enormous job look effortless and easy. McCracken said, “The community was An additional thank you to Storage King very generous again this year, and it was Dunedin and MediaWorks for their wonderful to see a number of people ongoing support of Octacan. of all ages coming to the Octagon to be We would also like to thank all volunteers involved. We collected a total of 11,749 who helped on the day, with our cans in the Octagon on that day.” street appeal and with moving cans “We see the community show ongoing post-event. Many hands definitely made support throughout the year with lighter work! donations being brought into Family To all groups and individuals that Works. Without this support we couldn’t showed they care by bringing donations do what we do.” we say a simple, but heartfelt, thank you. Our annual street appeal was held on the same day as Octacan, with collectors Octacan 2019 total stationed at local supermarkets and the central city. Thanks to those volunteers Cans / food: 14,797 and the public we received a Coins: $5,545 total of $5,545 to assist with extra Total: 20,342 foodbank needs. 6 6

SPRING INTO SPRING Now that we can say good bye Previously the Buddy Programme to the colder days of winter, it’s has received financial support from the Government. Unfortunately time to think about Spring… and the Government has had to focus perhaps you could spring into funding on more challenging situations, so this funding is no action with support for one of longer available to us. our programmes. We are asking you, our community to help us “Keep my Buddy” Campaign to continue to offer this The Family Works Buddy Programme preventative programme is a preventative and early intervention which is making a difference programme which contributes to the for young ones in our community. emotional and social well-being of With the challenges ahead for our team children. running the Buddy Programme, you This message was received last month from a Young Buddies are children aged might like to consider becoming a regular Buddy in her twenties. The Buddy Programme between 4 and 12 years of age, whose donor to the Buddy Programme and help had a lasting impact on this client’s life. life circumstances indicate the need us to provide some certainty to our young for additional adult support. We match clients who are benefiting from having You might consider becoming an Adult Young Buddies with carefully selected an Adult Buddy in their lives. Buddy yourself? You can ring us on and trained adult volunteers in a well 4777115 to discuss this volunteering Your support can be directed to the supported mentoring relationship. opportunity. specific area you live in, Central Otago, Our challenge for the next 12 months Dunedin, North Otago or South Otago. To make a donation to the “Keep My Buddy” is simple - we require funds to run the Campaign please visit our online giving page Buddy Programme. at www.psotago.org.nz (under Donate). PARTNERSHIP BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY AGM 2019 Presbyterian Support Otago is Community Finance provides a fair and Presbyterian Support Otago’s proud to be the newest partner of affordable borrowing option for those Annual General Meeting for 2019 who are often forced to borrow from will be held at 5.30pm on Tuesday, Good Shepherd NZ in the Otago lenders who charge high interest rates 22 October 2019 at Burns Hall, First and South Canterbury regions. and fees. It helps borrowers with the Church, Moray Place in Dunedin. purchase of essential household items Our guest speaker is Jason Tibble, Community Finance is a partnership or higher cost assets that can provide Regional Commissioner for the between Good Shepherd NZ and Bank economic freedom and improve quality Ministry of Social Development. of New Zealand (BNZ), supported by of life. the Ministry of Social Development Community Finance provide two loan and delivered by community provider products that have no fees or charges and partners like The Salvation Army are available to people on low incomes and Aviva, and now Presbyterian who are eligible for a Community Support Otago. Services Card. Good Shepherd NZ recognises that these No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) loans partners are best placed to support the are available for amounts up to $1,500 for communities in which they operate essential goods and services. StepUP, the as they understand the needs of their low interest loan (6.99%)*, provides loans Everyone is welcome to local clients and provide a comfortable of up to $5,000 with up to three years to attend. Please RSVP to environment in which to have a pay loans back. * Lending terms and conditions apply [email protected]. financial conversation. 7 7

Support the Visiting Volunteers Support Young Adults and Youth Programme Family Works supports young adults Support for our elderly folk living in and individuals who face challenges in the community is a very valued way of their lives. Our programmes focus on providing support and companionship building skills and resilience so that for someone living on their own. Visiting individuals can create a brighter future Volunteers sometimes take their clients for themselves. on an outing. During their visit they may Many of our clients experience play a game, or simply visit and enjoy a profound change in their lives, and weekly chat. achieve goals they had all but given up Support Child and Family Welfare on. The outcomes of our programmes Support Family Works by providing for individuals have a ripple effect, financial assistance for the foodbank, for contributing to a stronger, safer social work and group programmes for Otago community. children and families in Otago. Children are at the heart of our service. The extensive experience of the Family Works team tells us that children are healthier and happier when families/ whānau function well. If you would like your support to be directed to Central Otago we offer group programmes and assistance in Wanaka, Alexandra and Cromwell.

YES, I WANT TO SHOW MY SUPPORT! My contact details are: Please direct my gift to First Name Surname $20 could provide food for our foodbank to feed a family for a day Address $50 to support the Buddy Programme $70 to support the elderly in our community $100 to support adults and youth with Phone alternative education and community programmes Email $200 to support child and family welfare in our community OR Please tick payment method Amount $ Cheque Credit Card Internet Banking Please let us know if : Card number you have left a gift to PSO in your will you would like more information Name on card about leaving a gift in your will

Please return this form to: Expiry date Fundraising Team Signature Presbyterian Support Otago FREEPOST 845 PO Box 374, Dunedin 9054 Internet Banking PSO Account Number: 06 0901 0005597 00 (Please use your (All donations are receipted. Gifts over $5.00 are tax first name and surname and include the word DONATION in the reference.) deductible. Charities Commission number CC 20878) Presbyterian t: 03 477 7115 Support Otago e: [email protected] 407 Moray Place w: psotago.org.nz PO Box 374, Presbyterian Support Otago Dunedin 9054 PSOtago PSOtago