Alzheimers Society Napier Inc
Press Release 22 November 2013
For immediate release

Official Opening of New Alzheimers Napier Centre

On Friday 22 November 2013 Alzheimers Society Napier Inc celebrated the completion and formal opening of the society’s new facility – Wilding House.

Kim Mayne, President of the Society, who has held the voluntary position for 8 terms, was thrilled to finally see the completion of the project. “This for me is a very special day as we see the culmination of an idea we started talking about many years ago. Back then we could already see what was starting to happen and knew we had to prepare for, what is proving to be, a tsunami of dementia affecting our community”, she said.

“It has been a three year journey since the Society bought the house on a wish and a prayer – a small deposit, a loan and a great deal of hope and determination. Today, having raised close to $800,000, we can celebrate the transformation of this house into our new centre. More importantly the generosity of funders, community charities, individuals and volunteers mean that the Alzheimers of Society of Napier will result in a debt free situation.”

Wilding House - is the Society’s to occupy for as long as it fits its purpose. It provides a base from which a specialist community team operates and also has a large section providing day respite. Within the centre there is also now the space to provide an ‘early intervention’ meeting place. The purpose of the society is to educate, support and inform people who are diagnosed with dementia or memory loss. Its primary objective is to make a positive difference in the lives of people suffering memory loss and for their family/whanau.

A crowd of close to 100 people were present at the event with guests including Minister of Health, the Honourable Tony Ryall and local MP Honourable Chris Tremain. Also attending were Susan Hitchiner, the Chair of Alzheimers New Zealand, Faye White Deputy Mayor, representatives from the HB DHB and also from many of the funding organisations. Volunteers, members, clients, management and staff made up the balance of those attending.
The President acknowledged the massive contribution made by Alzheimers Napier staff and the efforts they have made to shaping the finished facility. Since his appointment in April 2012, Rob Lutter, the manager, has been the driving force in relaying the vision of the society to the various funders which has largely contributed to bringing the project to completion in such a strong financial position.

Special thanks was extended for the large personal donations, support and fund raising creativity provided by long time supporter Helen Francis and her husband Colin.

Mary Wills of the DHB and Minister Ryall were guest speakers whilst blessings were given by Kamatua Bevin Taylor and Reverend Sally Carter.

The previous premises of the society, in Nelson Crescent, originally came about due to the legacy of Lady Daisy Angus and the money from the sale of those premises remain vested in Trust within the new premises.

If you or anyone you know is suffering memory loss, please contact Alzheimers Society Napier Inc: 8340417 or napier@alzheimers.org.nz

ENDS

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