When Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke asked what Rotary could do to help Palmerston North Women's Refuge, she was immediately taken to the back of its Main St East offices.
Bundy-Cooke says the outside area was grey and run down, and nothing would make you want to spend time there. As president of the Rotary Club of Milson, Bundy-Cooke decided to champion the project to fellow Rotarians, especially as it is 100 years since New Zealand's first Rotary club was formed.
Refuge manager Zubeda Shariff told Bundy-Cooke she would love the significant outdoor play / social area to be attractive and inviting to families when they come seeking support.
"I want to be part of a community group that looks after people less fortunate."
The 52-member club swung in behind the project. The site was cleared, the walls painted, and swings, safety matting, shade sail, barbecue, picnic tables, planter boxes and basketball hoop were installed.
The Rotaract Club of Massey University helped with the working bee, and many materials and tradespeople's time were donated. Bundy-Cooke says it is an ongoing project as maintenance of the "happy space" will be required.
The Rotaract Club of Massey University helped with the working bee, and many materials and tradespeople's time were donated. Bundy-Cooke says it is an ongoing project as maintenance of the "happy space" will be required.
She says Rotary is about service before self, and she enjoys Rotary as it is about making other people feel good. "I want to be part of a community group that looks after people less fortunate."