The Okato Community Trust has a clear purpose – to support older people living in and around Okato, 25 minutes south of New Plymouth.
“The Trust had been running for many years before it was formally registered as a charity on 10 July 2007,” said Tracy Beare, Chairperson.
“Our mission is to build and manage rental and self-owned flats for elderly and disabled people in the Okato district, regardless of race, creed, nationality or political views. Additionally, we aim to provide for their social welfare, care and comfort in every way we can.
Trust members also support Age Concern Taranaki’s monthly meetings and host other gatherings, like the annual fish & chip lunch attended by 70-80 people over 65.
“We donate the food and I go along to prep and clean up afterwards. I love seeing their faces when they come in – they’re so happy to be out and about.”
The Trust owns two freehold units and a house; all rented at affordable rates. It also has a hall, with a supper room and a back room currently home to the Okato Historical Society.
The units have been well-used over the years, but their bathrooms were in desperate need of an upgrade.
“They had grotty little shower shrubs, confined and not practical for over-65’s, especially if anyone needed assistance. It just wasn’t practical,” said Tracy.
With $34,000 from Toi Foundation, the Trust renovated two bathrooms, carpeted the bedrooms and replaced inefficient panel heaters with modern heat pumps in each unit.
A new heat pump was also installed in the Historical Society’s room, replacing old fan heaters and keeping documents at a stable temperature.
“We’ve now completed two bathroom upgrades with easy walk-in showers, toilets and handles for balance.
“Our tenants and families know they’re safe in their nice warm homes. And that’s all a family could want for another family member, isn’t it, really?”
With $34,000 from Toi Foundation, the Trust renovated two bathrooms, carpeted the bedrooms and replaced inefficient panel heaters with modern heat pumps in each unit.
