Community
- Peacehaven Village raises $330,583 for dementia unit expansion in less than six months.
- Six new dementia care beds will be added to meet community needs in Southland.
- Only $55,417 remains to complete the $386,000 fundraising goal for the project.
More psychogeriatric dementia beds are on the way for Southland’s most vulnerable, with funders rallying behind Peacehaven Village’s Iona D6 dementia unit project. Over two-thirds of the $386,000 goal has already been met, with $330,583 raised within six months of the initial appeal. Thanks to contributions from generous individuals, community groups, and funding partners, only $55,417 is left to raise.
Matt Russell, CEO of Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS), shared his appreciation for the support received. “As is so often the case in Southland, the community has pulled together to get behind an important project for the region,” he said. “We’re extremely grateful to all our community funding partners who have contributed to the project despite financially challenging times."
Key contributors include the ILT Foundation, Stewart Family Charitable Trust, PH Vickery Trust, Guy Anson Waddel Charitable Trust, and Aotearoa Gaming Trust. In addition, several private donors have also helped push the fundraising forward.
The total project cost is estimated at $386,000 (excluding GST), and it involves repurposing existing office and storage space at the Iona dementia care unit. Six additional bedrooms will be created, along with upgrades to fire safety systems, furnishing, and equipping each new room. A new nurse station, nurse call system, and improvements to the lounge and kitchenette are also part of the plan.
Construction began in mid-August and is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.
Donations are still welcomed and can be made online at pss.org.nz/get-involved/donate or by emailing [email protected].