Major rehabilitation facility opened

Major rehabilitation facility opened

The newly redeveloped gymnasium of the Laura Fergusson Trust was bulging at the seams this morning when more than 140 dignitaries, clients and supporters turned out for the official opening of the rehabilitation facility.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks, a major supporter of the Trust, was joined by former mayor, Colin Kay, a previous chairman of the board.

Also congratulating the Trust on its achievement were MP Richard Worth, and top officials from The ASB Trusts, The Lion Foundation, Remuera Lions and the Mt Wellington Charitable Trust.

Past and present clients of the Laura Fergusson Trust filled the gymnasium along with many supporters, including founding member, Lady Mary Caughey.

Fending off jocular barbs about the current election campaign, Mr Banks told the lively crowd that one of the joys of his position was being able to go to places and thank the many people involved for all their hard work.

Brian Lythe, the chairman of The ASB Trusts donations committee, assured the audience of his organisation’s ongoing support. “We admire the professionalism with which this facility and the entire project are run,” he said.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, Paula Polkinghorne, said: “In this gym you will see a selection of the most modern equipment suited to the needs of the clients we serve. They represent opportunity, challenge and expectation.”

Today’s opening marks the completion of the first two stages of a multi-million dollar capital works programme undertaken by the Trust.

This past year, more than $1.2 million has been raised for the refurbishment of self-contained client accommodation units and the redevelopment of the rehabilitation facility.

The redevelopment included a $400,000 refit of the gymnasium and adjacent offices, $100,000 worth of new rehabilitation equipment and $150,000 for site works, including boundary fences and additional car parking for clients.

An additional $2.5 m of work is planned for the final phase of the project known as stage three – refurbishing the remaining client units – which will begin in the New Year and run through 2005/06.

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