All helping hands on deck!

Havelock health charity puts out call for volunteers

For thousands of Marlburians, moreso than others, accessing medical services is a hard road. Residents of Havelock and other reaches face lengthy travel for emergency care, specialty care, even primary care.

The Pelorus Area Health Trust works to bridge the gaps. The volunteer-driven charity supports medical transportation such as ambulance and helicopter services; offers medical support aids such as wheelchairs and shower stools; operates a community lounge, where it holds regular Harakeke meetings; funds a helpline; and, since 2007, conducts weekly soup runs to feed people in need.

To do so, the trust applies for grants supplemented by donations and proceeds from sales in the clothing and housewares shop it runs in Havelock. More specifically, that volunteers run – two shifts keep it open 9:30am to 3:30pm over the summer season.

That is where the organisation really needs help. Trust Manager Bruce Moffat has put out the call for more hands on deck, noting that “it’s hard to find volunteers”. PAHT seeks people for the charity shop, community initiatives, events and fundraising. It also needs new trustees on the governing board – four, preferably – “to meet strategic goals”.

“Everybody has the ability to give back to the community,” he said. “Everybody does it in different ways. Just pop in!”

Sense of purpose

PAHT has a compelling appeal. As Bruce spelled out in the announcement for volunteers: “Many people know our charity shops in Havelock, but few realise what they truly support. Without PAHT, the Pelorus area would have far fewer local health services and support initiatives.”

Havelock Medical Centre is open just two days a week. So, residents of the area “may have to travel to Blenheim or Nelson for basic services. With rising fuel prices and long travel times, this can become a real barrier to healthcare, especially for elderly residents and families.”

Over the phone last Friday, amid preparations for the 12 April donation day for the youth line, he elaborated that “doctors can’t always get out to rural areas. We help where we can.”

In seeking others to join in, Bruce speaks from experience: 23 years logged as a volunteer firefighter. He joined the trust six months ago because it meshes with his “community focused” orientation.

“I like to see people helping each other,” he added.

Visit pelorusareahealthtrust.co.nz for more about the organisation and its volunteer opportunities.