Feilding community response amazing.

An idea by police and social services to give a local family a bit of a helping hand triggered an astounding response from the community of Feilding.

Youth Aid Officer Senior Constable Scott MacKenzie and Family Support worker Robyn Duncan from Manchester House Social Services were at a meeting to discuss the local Barham family.

Don and Tina Barham were close to tears when shown their new master bedroom.

Tina Barham has Huntington’s Disease, an incurable neurological disorder that makes simple daily tasks impossible and has forced her to give up her work as a drug and alcohol counsellor.

The house that Tina and husband Don had bought with the intention to renovate was in a serious state of disrepair, and the pressures the family were facing meant the work was beyond their physical and financial capabilities.

Robyn says they were discussing at the meeting what could be done to help the family out and decided to do a bit of a makeover.

The plan began as a clean-up and a lick of paint, but when members of the local community heard what the pair intended, donations and assistance came flooding in.

Before they knew it the house was facing a complete makeover including new roof, kitchen, shower, furniture, insulation, heating system and electrics, as well as redecoration inside and out.

A local motel offered to put the family up for free and feed them while the work was taking place, and gifts and treats flooded in, including a gym membership, free family swimming, a cinema outing and a new hairstyle
for Tina.

Scott says when they first decided to do something they never dreamed they would get this level of response.

“It has opened my eyes to the generosity of the community. Hopefully it will show the rest of New Zealand, particularly our youngsters, what can be achieved with a little hard work and goodwill.

“It is also a great way to raise awareness about Huntington’s Disease.

“It’s not a condition that you hear of much in day-to-day life and yet it has such a huge impact on both the sufferer and potentially their children.”

Over four long days, local builders, electricians, painters and a plumber worked alongside police officers, New Zealand Air Force personnel and other volunteers, only stopping for brief intervals when the local Lions Club and local cafe staff arrived with food to keep their energy levels up.

At 4pm on the final day the family arrived back to their new home to find the dozens of volunteers, sponsors and well-wishers ready to greet them.

Almost in tears, Tina says she felt like a princess. “It is just amazing and I am so incredibly thankful. That so many people would come together and do something like this is overwhelming.”

The house after work was completed.	Local builder Bruce McKendry supervised the project with Senior Constable Scott MacKenzie (right). Photos: Kim Perks