A Feilding family is going to receive a complete makeover of their home after an extraordinary community response triggered by local police and Manchester House Social Services.
The family, who are not being named until the weekend of the makeover at the end of August, are a couple and their three sons under the age of 15. They have come to light because the wife and mother of the household is suffering from Huntington's Disease, which is forcing her to give up work at the end of August.
Huntington's Disease is an incurable neurological disorder which begins with a general lack of co-ordination. As it advances there is a decline in both physical and mental abilities with even the simplest of tasks becoming almost impossible.
Sadly the disease is genetic which means that all three boys have a 50% chance of suffering the same fate.
The family home is in a very sad state of disrepair, in need of major work beyond the physical and financial capabilities of the owners. Police also fear that as the boys grow older the pressures of their family environment could see them take the wrong path in life.
Seeing the family in such a difficult situation Police and Social Services decided to lend a helping hand. Family Support Worker Robyn Duncan started to speak to local businesses in the community to see what could be achieved and the results have been astonishing.
Between Saturday, 29 August and Tuesday 1 September the house will be stripped bare and completely renovated. Thanks to generous donations of goods and services the house will have a new roof and a heating system installed. Other building and electrical work will be carried out before it is decorated and kitted out with a new bathroom, kitchen and other essential items.
The town's Raceway Court Motel will put the family up while the makeover is being completed and a whole host of other 'treats' are being presented to the family (for a full list of donations so far see the list below).
After the makeover a caregiver will available to assist the family keeping the house in order.
Robyn Duncan said: "I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support we have received. We have so many people offering to do the work we are almost having to restrict the numbers so we can get them all into the house. It is just so wonderful that we are going to able to provide the family with better living conditions so that they are free to spend some precious quality time together.
"It is also a great way to raise awareness about Huntington's Disease. It isn't a condition that you hear of much in day-to-day life and yet it has such a huge impact on both the sufferer and potentially their children."
Youth Aid Officer, Senior Constable Scott MacKenzie, added: "When we first decided we wanted to do something we never dreamed we would get this level of response. It has opened my eyes to the generosity in the community and hopefully it will show the rest of New Zealand, particularly our youngsters, what can be achieved with a little hard work and goodwill."
Donations
Rubbish skip bins
New roof
Building Paper
Building board
Spouting
All building materials
Insulation
Builders
Plumbing
Plaster
Rubbish bin, night light and hand rail for bathroom
Paint
Paint and painters
Painter
Overalls and gloves
Heat Pump and wiring
Carpet and Lino
Toilet Shower, vanity
Kitchen
Washing Machine
Stove, fridge and a number of other household items
Stainless steel sink
Piece of art work for master bedroom
Art for bedroom
Queen size bedspread with cushions and pillows
Bathroom toiletries
Fresh flowers for the 'reveal'
Silk flowers
Retainer vege garden and garden clean-up
Food parcel
Vegetable and flower plants
Chicken run
Accommodation for the family during the makeover
Groceries to put in new kitchen
12 months free swimming for the whole family
Use of 14-seat theatre for a quality movie evening with family and friends
Hair cut and colour for mum on the weekend of the makeover and free family haircuts for 6 months
One year's gym membership for mum
$50 gift certificate
Basket Ball and Hoop
$50 donation
T-shirts for the workers
Cold drinks and ice for the workers
Morning and afternoon tea for workers
Lunches for workers
Evening tea for workers
Thank you BBQ for workers
Thank you certificates and frames for those taking part
Many of the above are also providing workers for the weekend in addition to members of the RNZAF and students from Hato Paora College.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.
Enquiries relating to Huntington's Disease should be referred to Annette Turner-Steele from the Huntington's Disease Association on 06 327 7389.