The group named Grans Who Can, decided to donate their $1250 winnings from their most creative prize winning "Bluey at the Beach" float to Dunstan Hospital.
The group of grans smiled and laughed as they were shown the long overdue renovations to the hospital’s family room.
The walls in the room were repainted, the curtains and furniture were replaced and new art was put on the walls. The donation of the grans’ winnings helped to complete the project.
Grans Who Can member Laurie Paterson said it was the first time they had given to the hospital. In past years the group had donated their prize money to St John and the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
While the prize money did not have to go to charity, the group decided to put it to a good cause and give to the hospital.
Dunstan Hospital Foundation lead foundation marketing and engagement Kayla Naylor said the family room was important, as it was a quiet place for people to come together.
"It’s just a really warming, calming area that feels fresh and really bright now."
It was really awesome the Grans Who Can group were able to give money to make the space what it was today, she said.
"It’s quite humbling to be in this job and work with such awesome people that want to do stuff like this for our hospital."
As well as being able to give to charity, Mrs Paterson said the group was also pleased with winning the most creative award for the first time in the four years the grans had been participating in the festival.
"We have won other prizes ... people’s choice and stuff, but we haven’t won this one before, so it’s quite nice."
The grans had yet to decide their project for this year’s festival, as it was too early. They would meet in the next month or so to discuss what they were doing, she said.
