Work has finally begun at Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty’s Katikati site, with excavation commencing last week.

The committee is excited to see machinery at the Wills Rd site after years of fundraising. They have a remaining shortfall of $150,000 needed.

Last year, the team hit the $3 million fundraising mark.

The committee has organised another push in fundraising for 2025 as it works towards opening the house at the end of the year.

Abbeyfield houses throughout the country provide affordable rental accommodation for people over 65 with limited means.

An Afternoon Tea with Anna Stretton

One of the fundraising highlights features entrepreneur Annah Stretton as a guest speaker at an elegant afternoon tea.

Stretton is a Kiwi fashion designer and social entrepreneur known for her contributions to the fashion industry and social justice.

She is Waikato Women’s Refuge chairwoman and has a charity with her sister, Reclaim Another Woman. Raw was established to help break the cycle of intergenerational offending, educational underachievement, poverty and violence for women.

Annah has also co-authored four books.

The event includes a showcase of Annah’s fashion collection and a sales table featuring her homewares and accessories.

- Afternoon Tea with Annah Stretton is at Katikati Bowling Club on March 16 from 1.30-4pm. Tickets $40 theartsjunction.org.nz

Claymark Ambrose Golf Tournament

This year’s event is an ambrose format at Waihi Golf Course.

Now in its third year, the tournament includes a day on the green and a generous selection of prizes and food.

- Claymark Ambrose Golf Tournament at Waihi Golf Course on April 4. $200 a team. Register fundabbeyfieldwbop@gmail.com

Markets

The Abbeyfield market stall is at Waihi Beach Saturday Farmers Market with an assortment of jams, jellies, chutneys, sauces and fresh vegetables.

The summer car boot sales are on the first Saturday of the month at the A&P showgrounds from 8am-11am. On offer are garden tools, building equipment, household items, clothes, children’s toys, plants and more.

They will also have a stall at the Katikati A&P Show on Sunday.

Paint the Door

For a sponsorship of $2000, donors can select the colour of an Abbeyfield internal door and also give the suite a name.

Initially, 14 doors were on offer with just seven doors left.

Katikati artists painted garden stakes which will be part of the landscaping — there are three stakes left to sponsor for a donation of $5000.

Contact fundabbeyfieldwbop@gmail.com