Telethon grant for Ohakune

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 390, 11 June 1991, Page 5

Telethon grant for Ohakune

A $2000 Telethon grant is going to the Ohakune Senior Citizens Club to help pay for trips to hospitals and medical specialists. The grant comes from Channel 2's 1990 Telethon, which raised money for older New Zealanders. Some elderly residents need to take a one hour trip to Taumarunui, or a one-and-a-half hour trip to Wanganui to have their medical needs attended to, according to club secretary Nina Hays. "Usually they have to

rely on family and friends to drive them," she said. "This grant will help towards petrol costs. The money will certainly be a great help to us. We are very grateful for anything we can get." Telethon's national organiser Stephen McElrea says "We are delighted Television New Zealand's efforts are benefiting such a worthwhile project. Channel 2 set out to highlight a community need and viewers responded magnificently. The grants will be make a significant contribu-

tion to the well -being, dignity and quality of life of older New Zealanders." More than 200 organisations have received the first grants, totalling $685,000. All

grants will be made by the end of July. The Celebration of Age Trust, headed by Alan Burnet, has received 1247 applications weekly a total of $26 million.

"Our aim is to get the very best possible value for the trust funds given so generously by the community for the benefit of older people," he said.