Levin Home for War Veterans is seeking community support for the resident’s Veterans Arms club.
The RSA-like club was established by a group of residents earlier this year. Home manager Joanna Thomson says the club is very popular with residents and their family and friends. But she explains the home needs support from the community for it to gain momentum.
“Donations to our December Trumpeter appeal will help us preserve the home’s Anzac memorabilia and add to the experience and environment of the Veterans Arms.”
She explains that the Veterans Arms has become a hub of Anzac spirit in the short time it’s been operating.
“Like the establishment of the Returned Services Association in 1916, the Veterans Arms aims to provide support and comfort for former service men and women, and all of our residents,” says Joanna.
“One of the great things about the Veterans Arms is that it is governed by the residents. Our residents make all the choices about the club from how it operates and membership, through to individual choices about who they invite and how long they stay.”
Levin Home for War Veterans was established in 1959 as a place specifically for those who had returned from war. Today the home continues to offer support to former service men and women, as well as those from other walks of life.
Today, Levin Home continues to have a strong presence of war veterans. There are seven World War Two Veterans living at the home and 70 per cent of residents are returned service men and women.
“Levin Home is a truly unique home and we’re extremely proud of our history, and future, supporting service men and women. And, I think the community is really proud that we have this facility here in Horowhenua.”
Joanna says the home is grateful to the significant support it gets from the local community and further afield.
To make a donation to The Veterans Arms and Levin Home for War Veterans you can call 0508 TO HELP (that’s 0508 864 357). To find out more about Levin Home visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 06 366 0052.