Recreation officer Chris McLaughlin, Kowhainui Home’s newest employee, is proud to be putting the finishing touches on some of the decorative elements for ANZAC Day.
Although he’s only been in the job a few weeks, Chris has a close personal tie to Enliven’s Kowhainui Home.
“My grandfather Pops lived here for nine months after coming for day visits. When I came to see him, I was struck by the loving care he received, and the companionship on offer. As soon as I saw the job advertised, I knew I had to apply.”
During ANZAC Chris will be remembering his grandfather who served as an RNZAF mechanic in the 75th Squadron during the Singapore-Malaysian Conflict in 1965.
While Chris is replacing the multi-coloured flowers made from upcycled, moulded and painted LPs and 45s on the recreation room wall for ANZAC poppies, diversional therapist Frances Craven will create giant ones, which have stamens made from dried and painted agapanthus seed heads for the occasion.
“They’re quite realistic and make a great impact,” Frances says.
Other decorations will include collages, photos and WWII memorabilia on the corridors leading to the Laing Room where the ANZAC service will be held.
Residents of Kowhainui Home and Village, Abingdon Village and their families have been invited to attend the service at which local Area Coordinator Central NZ Cadet Forces CAPT Roger Baxter, RNZIR will speak.
