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Charles Upham village residents join a 'Poppy Flights' fundraiser

Written by Alan Wood
on April 16, 2021

Charles Upham Retirement Village knitters and crocheters offered heartfelt reasons for joining a charity fundraiser involving the creation of Anzac poppy-based art works.

By contributing knitted poppies, the Rangiora residents were honouring family members with war service and also helping raise money for good causes.

The art works, sewn on to jute mats, have been organised as a fundraiser for RSAs (Returned and Services Associations), The Starship Foundation and NZ Warbirds, Charles Upham Sales Advisor Tracy Blackadder says.

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‘Poppy Flights’ to townships around the country are being organised in order combine the poppy contributions.

The Ryman Healthcare residents have in recent days been adding their crafted wool poppies to the jute, before it is taken further south, first to the Ashburton Aviation Museum then in steps down towards Invercargill. There are 34 volunteer pilots sharing the flight itinerary which will eventually return north as far as Kaitaia and then back to Auckland.

Other knitters, including groups from various Ryman villages, have also been stitching on poppies. “What will happen then is these are sent on to Tauranga, and they’re making one big Star(ship) dress and one big Poppy dress,” Tracy says.

Eventually there will be an Auckland cenotaph fly-pass of the artworks on Anzac Day, and they will later be on display at a Warbirds NZ event.

Independent townhouse residents Val Clark and Ann-Barbara Peacock say their contributions honour those that have served, including family members. Ann Barbara says her father was in the catering side of the services during World War II.

“I had two uncles that went to war, and that’s why I joined the RSA too … They were Jim Mattson and Frank Mattson,” Val adds.

Knitters and crochet experts from the resthome and serviced apartments, including Delcie McKenzie and Betty Falls, were also involved in the craft and fundraising efforts. Two visitors to Charles Upham, Janet Pearson and Tina Jackson, added in their knitted poppies.

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A Charles Upham morning tea was organised to show off the knitted items, and was also an opportunity for other residents to make a donation.

About Ryman Healthcare:

Ryman was founded in 1984 and has become one of New Zealand’s largest listed companies. The company owns and operates 45 retirement villages in New Zealand and Australia which are home to more than 13,900 residents and the company employs 6,800 team members.

Media advisory: For further information, photos, interviews or comment please contact Group Corporate Affairs Manager Silke Marsh on +64 27 294 3609 or Communications Advisor Maryvonne Gray on 027 552 0767.

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