Titoki Healing Centre - one of four community organisation to receive support from the Eastern Bay Energy Trust

Photo caption: Titoki Property Manager Roger Upson looks forward to catering for the healing centre’s future guests in an even better equipped kitchen. Photo by James Stanbridge.

It’s been 41 years since the Reverend Don Ferguson was inspired to create a restorative haven on a four-hectare property at Poroporo, about 13 kilometres from Whakatane.

Over the years countless people have passed through Titoki Healing Centre, benefitting from its peaceful and caring environment.

In the last year, the centre recorded 1000 visitor nights and that demand on its services means Titoki Trustees have to maintain a constant fund-raising and volunteer recruitment programme to keep up with maintenance on the centre’s multiple buildings and amenities.

The Titoki Healing Centre has recently received a grant from the Eastern Bay Energy Trust for just over $13,000 to upgrade heating and kitchen equipment. Long-time Titoki supporter Anne Baker says the funding will help ensure food safety standards, through the provision of a vertical chiller and dishwasher and also allow for new, more effective and energy efficient heat pumps.

“People who come to us are often feeling very vulnerable. They are looking for a place to take time out to recharge their spirit, or seek the support of our residential counsellors and it certainly is helpful to their healing to be in a warm, dry, healthy environment.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about the services provided at Titoki Healing Centre can visit its website www.titoki.org.nz and Mrs Baker says anyone is welcome to attend the chapel service held each Wednesday morning at 10.00am.

Other initiatives to have grants approved by the Eastern Bay Energy Trust, at its August meeting were:

Edgecumbe Playcentre ($14,932.75 towards wiring upgrade, insulation, lighting and heating); The Light Party ($1,331.10 for sound-system hire and management for its 31 October children’s event); and The Junior Rugby League Festival ($2,000 for sound-system hire for the event’s opening ceremony, public announcements, entertainment and prize-giving).