An reworded 80s pop song, a television crew and an invitation to support the cause were all it took to get a crowd of people together in song at the Methven Mt Hutt Memorial Hall last week.
About 200 people, of all ages, gathered to sing Audrey’s Song – a reworded version of I’m gonna be (500 miles), by The Proclaimers, – written by Mount Hutt College music teacher Sam Luddy.
Methven centenarian Audrey Lilley is fronting a new fundraising campaign to raise $101k money for Methven Care Trust’s new 26-bed care home, Methven Central, set to open in November.
The 101-year-old, and her friends, are taking part in Audrey’s 101 Challenge – walking 101 laps in four weeks to raise the funds. Midway through more than $65k has been raised.
Luddy’s lyrics were widely shared on social media as part of the fundraising efforts for the challenge, and when TVNZ came knocking for Seven Sharp, the community rallied. They packed into the hall.
Audrey herself got a standing ovation when she walked into the hall, on the arm of son Richard.
Then, with Audrey and her fellow residents sitting front and centre, the crowd sung the song in unison – not once, but multiple times – with Luddy on guitar and Lach Tantau, head of the maths faculty at the college, on ukelele.
Mandy Mee, of Methven Care Trust, said the backing of the community had been invaluable to the campaign.
“I am just excited to see that little bit of Methven magic and I hope you enjoy what we are about to do now,“ she said.
“We quite simply would not be here today without all of you. We are close to the finishing line.
“We know that a lot of you have given a lot to the Methven Care Trust and Methven Central and we want to thank you very much.”
“None of us know when we are going to need a care home, that’s the reality today. This is the future as well as today.”
Other people can support Audrey’s campaign with their own 101 challenges to raise funds for the home. It could be 101 steps, 101 cupcakes sold, or $101 raised.
DONATE: A givealittle page has been set up for Audrey’s 101 Challenge. The campaign runs until October 27. Donate at Audrey’s 101 Challenge via givealittle.co.nz
