Two local care homes in New Plymouth, Radius Thornleigh Park and Radius Heatherlea, recently joined forces with local charity On The House to support the Over 65’s Free Store initiative. Residents and staff from both care homes have been busy baking delightful treats to be served at the free drop-in cafe, which runs every fortnight at the New Plymouth Methodist Church.
The collaboration is a story of elderly helping elderly, bringing warmth to cold winter months through baking. Using ingredients supplied by On The House, residents and staff prepare cupcakes, brownies and biscuits for the drop-in cafe. Helping On The House not only fosters a sense of purpose among the residents but also provides a great channel for them to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones.
This is Radius Thornleigh Park and Radius Heatherlea’s latest community outreach. The residents love baking and spending time together for a cause. It’s not just about staying busy but also an amazing way for them to give back to the community and help their peers.
The care homes are no stranger to community involvement. Past collaboration has included supporting Bellyful, Christmas Child, Plunket and its own regular Random Acts of Kindness.
“We are excited to be involved with this On The House initiative," said Radius Care Activities Co-ordinator Helen Baverstock.
"It provides our residents at Radius Thornleigh Park and Radius Heatherlea with something meaningful to do and maintain connectivity with the community. When residents get up in the morning and know they have a purpose, it brings many beneficial spinoffs including proven improvements in physical and mental health.”
While at the free store, resident Lisa Rowlands caught up with someone she knew from the Girls’ brigade, “I love getting to meet new people and chatting with old friends about how much time had passed.”
Radius Thornleigh Park and Radius Heatherlea are committed to this meaningful project for as long as it is needed and hope to continue bringing smiles to elderly in the New Plymouth region with their delicious baking and infectious smiles.
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