Pop-up shop to raise funds for residents

Looking forward to welcoming community members to Saturday’s Highview Home & Hospital pop-up shop...
Looking forward to welcoming community members to Saturday’s Highview Home & Hospital pop-up shop are residents Edna Wheeler (left) and Margaret Taylor (right) and manager Lee Nichol. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD
Excitement is high among residents at Highview Home & Hospital, as they make the final preparations for a fundraising pop-up shop and community day this weekend.

Members of the Highview residents committee, led by president Ray Hodson, have been busy for weeks gathering up a large collection of donated clothing, knick-knacks, homeware and more, for the pop-up shop, to be held this Saturday, from 11am to 2pm at the home, on the corner of High St and Maitland St.

A large-scale baking session is planned.

Highview manager Lee Nichol said as well as raising funds for the residents’ "comfort fund" — which helped subsidise outings and treats — the day would be a chance to welcome the community into Highview to meet the residents and have some fun.

"A lot of people don’t seem to know where Highview actually is — even though they may drive past us every day — so this is a lovely chance to invite the community in," Mrs Nichol said.

The home had residents aged from 31 to 100 years old, and there was a "vibrant" atmosphere and plenty of activities going on.

Residents committee members Margaret Taylor and Edna Wheeler were thrilled with the amount of donated goods they had received from families, friends and staff, and were determined to "sell it all" at bargain prices.

"Lots of the residents are keen to get involved by helping out in the shop, doing baking and chatting to people," Mrs Taylor said.

"It’s going to be a lot of fun, and will give people a chance to experience the family atmosphere here at Highview."

Barbecue food, refreshments and activities will also be available on the day.

Mrs Wheeler said the pop-up shop project had created a "real buzz" around Highview, bringing residents together as they worked towards the event.

"It has been really engaging for everyone," she said.

Mrs Nichol said the residents committee had been formed to ensure residents were involved in decisions about activities and the social life of the home.

This included welcoming new residents, celebrating birthdays, going on outings, exercise, pet therapy and now the pop-up shop.

"We are hoping for a good turnout of people coming to have a good time with us, and to pick up some bargains at the same time, so all these wonderful items we have for sale can go to a good home."

brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz