Tunnel house for Iona dementia residents

Staff and volunteers at Iona care home in Oamaru have seen the fruit of their labours rewarded with the purchase of a brand new tunnel house! They have been running market days since the middle of last year to raise funds, with Oamaru Lions Club helping them install the tunnel house on site at the end of last year.

“I am in the process of getting shelves and tables set up inside to grow our seedlings,” says Michelle Munro, Activities Coordinator, who has led the initiative along with volunteer, Annie Beattie. The project encourages residents living with dementia to engage in something they love – gardening and growing food.

“Everything we do together has an element of engagement that helps stimulate the residents – the benefits are immense,” Michelle adds.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative! We look forward to sharing more updates on the tunnel house in future editions.

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