Happiness is a new kitchen to cook in

Alan Ely is in seventh heaven. A keen cook, he is ready to move back into his renovated independent unit in Currie Park and make the most of his new kitchen.

“I am looking forward to cooking myself a good porterhouse steak, mushrooms, broccoli and cauliflower,” Alan said.

He has temporarily been living in one of Currie Park’s assisted living apartments while his unit has been upgraded.

“I have enjoyed the mini-holiday, and the apartment experience has been wonderful, but it will be fantastic to be back in my own space,” Alan said.

He moved into Currie Park in December last year. Previously he had been with his sister-in-law before transferring to a men’s home for homeless and alcoholics.

“I was never homeless nor an alcoholic, but it was the only option available to me at the time. However grim it sounds, I lived there for almost three years during which time I regained my strength and health,” Alan said.

Eager to move his life on, Alan heard about Currie Park through one of the staff in the men’s home. He visited the village, liked what he saw, and was invited by OCAV to become part of the community.

“From the moment I moved in, I knew I had arrived at the best place for me,” Alan said.

He could not believe his fortune when his allocated unit was chosen for an upgrade thanks to philanthropic funding through the Marion and E H Flack Trust.

“To have my own home is all I could ask for, and to have such a large home for one person is overwhelming.”

The funding has enabled OCAV to put in a new bathroom, laundry, carpets and lino, a new kitchen and that all important new oven. Alan is in no doubt about the generosity of the grant not only for him but also for other future residents.

“This grant from the Flack Trust is a real gift not only for me but for others who will live in the unit after me. Thank you.”