Foundation News Posts
Stay up to date with the Foundations most recent news and updates
Fairview Motors Continuing a local commitment to healthcare
For over 50 years Pohlen Hospital has been a community owned asset that its board, staff, residents, patients and supporters have been immensely proud of. Its often the local charity of choice, and proceeds of various fundraisers or public donations received over the years have ensured equipment and services continue to provide an excellent level of care across the hospital, residential and maternity sectors.
Having always been incredibly proud of Pohlen Hospitals commitment to growth and sustainability, Vaughan Nowell was one local proud to put his hand up to become a Trustee of the Foundation. So when previous sponsor ‘Nicholson Auto’s’, closed Vaughan thought it was an opportune time to speak to management as the Fairview branch manager, about taking on and continuing that commitment. Thankfully they were in full support and, provided a sign-written Mazda 3.
As well as providing the Mazda 3, Fairview Motors Matamata have knidly agreed to take care of servicing, warrent or fitness and registration costs associated with the vehicle. – Caron Stewart
2023 GOLF DAY FUNDRAISER SUCSESS
What a fantastic day we had at the Pohlen Foundation Golf Tournament last Friday - over $23,000 raised for Pohlen Hospital. The Pohlen Foundation Trustees put this fantastic day together with Gilly...
Tea Trolley Triumph
A few weeks ago, I put a plea out to our lovely community in regard to tea trolleys. The response was overwhelming, and we received several beautiful trolleys from incredibly generous community members,...
Ladies Lunch 2021 is back!
This year sees the return of the Ladies Lunch with a few changes. The Date is Saturday 4th September at Pepper Street Kitchen Cafe - this is a change to the normal Friday but something that we hope will...
Donation Received
The Senior Citizen’s paying it forward for aged care - Recently the Matamata Senior Citizen’s Club made the decision to wind up the organisation that has been an integral part of the Matamata community...
My Challenge Programme
As local as you are, Challenge Matamata strives to provide service, support and excellence to the community wherever possible and, with a recently introduced initiative, has taken this one...
Pohlen Golf Tournament 2019
The Pohlen Golf Tournament took place on Friday 5th April 2019Matamata Golf Club - Ambrose, team of four (golfers and non-golfers welcome)It was a massive success with over $17,000 being raised for...
A Day Backing Pohlen 2018
Another successful day at the races was held on Saturday 13th October with over $12,000 raised for the Foundation.
Family and Community first at Nicholson’s
-Article was written by Caron Stewart The old "I liked it so much I bought the business" would be an apt way to describe Nicholson's Auto's, the family owned and operated motor vehicle franchise...
Farewelling our Local Lady
Having recently sold their Matamata home, Lady Margaret Spring and her husband Sir Dryden have made the decision to head for the Bay and enjoy their next chapter in life under the sun. With just a week...
Palliative Care Wing Update
We are only weeks away from the completion of our new wing and I thought it an ideal time to clarify and emphasise the working relationship we have and will continue to have with Hospice Waikato....
Garage Sale & Real Homes & Gardens Tour 2015
The Garage Sale had an amazing turn out of helpers, and there is no way that we would have been able to cope without everyone involved. We raised just over a whopping $5000 for the hospital and cannot...
Reno for Pohlen
Hammering home a major ‘Reno for Pohlen’
With a Pohlen Hospital extension currently in the planning that will provide a further 13 beds, a need to expand the space occupied by Matamata Medical Centre and a strong focus on a long and successful future for our largest community owned asset, exciting developments are underway that will significantly help with funding the improvements!
Absolutely passionate about Pohlen Hospital and its future, Gilly Alexander, the Fundraising Manager of Pohlen Foundation, and her husband Ross have provided an opportunity that has created a buzz amongst local tradies, businesses and the community.
Having recently sold their farm, the Alexander’s purchased a property with the intention of helping their daughter. As it happened however, circumstances changed quickly and the house was no longer required. The couple could have sold it on the open market and been subject to Brightline test legislation – or, with any short term capital gains going to a charitable trust, be in a position to keep proceeds within the community they love. As far as Gilly and Ross were concerned, it was a no brainer!
“After discussion with Pohlen Foundation board members, we agreed on a fair and reasonable value of the house in it’s current state” says Ross, “and that is the price they will buy it at.” The twist however, is that by getting the community on board and completely refurbishing everything – literally including the kitchen sink, the Foundation stands to make considerable profit from the sale which has been scheduled towards the end of this year.
At an open meeting held by Pohlen Foundation Trust, expressions of interest were invited to completely make over the two storied, four bedroom home from the ground up where all upgrades, fittings and fixtures including bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, landscaping, painting and decorating will be offered ‘in kind’.
“We, the Pohlen Foundation, have already been absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness from all sectors” says Gilly. “The fact that various companies and tradespeople have collectively agreed to work alongside each other for the good of the cause truly shows what fantastic community spirit there is when it comes to the future and welfare of Pohlen Hospital.”
Although regular updates and progress reports will follow, anyone interested in becoming involved is welcome to email [email protected]. Whether it’s “purchasing” a square metre of flooring or contributing to removal of a shed for example, all enquires or donations will be hugely appreciated. It’s a ‘Reno for Pohlen’ and the entire community is invited to share the journey to completion! n
Quiz Night Success
A big thank you to all the local businesses who contributed.
