ElderLink to begin operations in March
The first week of March marks an exciting time for ElderLink as we launch our new website, kickstart our donation campaign initiatives, and move into our Market Street office in the heart of Blenheim's CBD. This is an exciting time for trustees Aaron, Carole, Angela, Kamrin, Gina, and Steph - as well as for the wider ElderLink volunteer team and support network. Everybody has been working hard behind the scenes to bring the ElderLink vision to this point.
Throughout January and February, we spent time talking with community members, key stakeholders, and prospective sponsors. During these conversations, Marlburians in ElderLink's targeted support demographic, along with their whanau, have been willing to share some of the challenges they face day to day. We heard of people rationing their groceries in order to make food rollover into coming weeks, of spending the majority of each week's pension on rent while struggling with yearly lease renewals that force them to move frequently, and of having to cancel vital insurances such as life cover because rising premiums have made them unaffordable.
Others mentioned the social isolation that comes from having family far away, and avoiding asking for help with transport due to embarrassment and the fear of being burdensome. People have even described how once-joyful celebrations like Christmas and birthdays have become stressful as they worry about affording even modest gifts. These raw insights are hard to confront, but have been instrumental in guiding our planning to ensure that ElderLink's services directly address the challenges people are facing without doubling up on pre-existing initiatives in the region.
We remain focused on supporting Marlborough’s 65+ population by providing practical assistance in the form of food parcels, in-person welfare checks, and opportunities for social connection, while also working to build stronger ties between generations so that we can future-proof our local communities.
With our new website set to go live on Monday, March 03, and our fundraising campaign awaiting its final review by moderators, the next phase of our work feels timely and full of promise. Our new office on Market Street not only gives us a central outreach base from which to operate, but also offers a welcoming space for community liaising and private consultations.
Looking ahead, we are keen to involve the community, welcome their support, and build meaningful, intergenerational relationships that will help ElderLink grow and continue serving Marlborough well into the future.
Who better to help support Marlborough's over-65s than the people they've worked hard to pave the way for?