The house for Hospice
From left; Jules Harvey, Lloyd Stephenson and Christine Rankin share morning tea with all the sponsors of the Livingstone Let’s Build project. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
The old Ebbet car yard on the corner of Ruapehu and Paoroa Hapi Street came alive on Monday this week as a house-building fundraiser got underway for Lake Taupō Hospice.
The Livingstone Let’s Build Project will see a two-bedroom cottage constructed on the high-profile site and then auctioned off with proceeds going to Hospice.
A big fundraising project meant a big turnout from the various trades and services associated with the event and the site was blessed by the Reverend Robert Kereopa.
Lake Taupō Hospice chairwoman Christine Rankin says they have a vision which is “Bold and brave and strong” and brining the most unique care experience in the world to the Lake Taupō community.
“Yes, we're little, but we are strong and mighty, and the service that my staff provide for this community in terms of hospice is utterly outstanding.
“And believe me when I tell you we get the crumbs in terms of the way that the system is funded in New Zealand.
“But because this community is so incredibly generous, we offer a service to anyone and everyone that is 100% free and is delivered with love and care, and we provide everything that anyone can need.”
She says what Livingstone and the other sponsors are providing is “massive”.
“It's going to make a huge difference to what we deliver. So, I can guarantee you that every dollar of it will be invested in patients.”
Livingstone general manager of business development and growth Lloyd Stephenson says Livingstone has a very strong allegiance with hospice, with one of the company’s namesakes Mike Livingstone, a life member.
“It's taken a fair chunk of time to get here, but important in the sense that we get all the right pieces in play.”
He says the build will happen quickly, taking about eight weeks.
“It’s time to get the word out around town. It will be a high-end build as far as an ancillary two-bedder goes at the end of it, so well worth the money that people will spend to buy this.
“Keep in mind that it all goes to Hospice and that's something we're very proud of.”
Community relations and sponsorship manager Jules Harvey says it's hard to believe that it was just last year, she sat down with Lloyd.
“He was like, ‘we’ve built hospice a shelter and little cabins before … I said, why not build a house? He was like, ‘oh, yeah, okay, sounds good’.”
“I started going out to the community to chat to the different industry partners. It's been amazing. Just the things that people are willing to help us with, provide discounts. I think the hardest part was actually doing the sign and figuring out where to put everybody's logos.
“Whether it is free, whether it's discounted, whether it's labour, whether it's whatever, it's awesome. And not only these guys, it's the suppliers that have helped these guys.
“So, I'm really excited to start the process and see every single one of these companies come to give us a hand.
Sponsors include; Livingstone Building, Korio Digital Marketing, Jackie Robinson Architects, ITM, Roofing Industries, Action Electrical/Pure Lighting, J. A. Russell, McBeth Plumbing and Gas, Taupo House Removals, Harcourts, Amuri Kitchens/Interior Fittings Ltd/Stone Finish, First Windows, Flooring First, Rehome Interiors and Staging, Wardrobes by Design, A&T Glass, Simpli consulting, Bennett Doors, Resene Taupo, and Mediaworks (MoreFM).