Board & Service Updates from our 2025 AGM

ElderLink held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Blenheim this June, meeting with volunteers and local supporters to reflect on what we have learned since starting in March. A major milestone was formally moving from an interim board to a permanent team. Our board members range in age from 23 to nearly the age of the seniors we support, reflecting our core ethos of linking generations through practical care. Having a permanent board gives our organisation long-term stability, provides volunteers with a reliable point of contact, and ensures we can commit to lasting community partnerships while keeping our focus firmly on the people we want to support.

A key decision confirmed at the AGM was making our weekly food parcel delivery initiative a permanent service. When ElderLink launched, we initially set aside the idea of having scheduled deliveries, assuming clients or their families would collect food directly from our Market Street office. However, after delivering parcels during the recent wet, blustery weather, we had an extended trial remote delivery run to identify gaps in our support network. The response was immediate. Clients across Blenheim, and particularly in Renwick, told us that having supplies brought directly to their door made a genuine difference to their week.

For those living solely on superannuation, especially if renting or still paying a mortgage, times have become increasingly difficult. Once basic living expenses are paid, little money remains for food or unexpected winter electricity bills or going out to socialise. Bringing groceries directly to residents does more than restock pantries; it gives our volunteers time to stop, chat, check on well-being, and ensure none of our clients feel isolated. Expanding our weekly route to include Renwick has highlighted the strong community spirit in smaller Marlborough areas. During a recent visit to a block of flats in Renwick, our team discovered that neighbours had already set up their own informal routine to check on a senior client, demonstrating the power of local neighbourhood care.

To support our clients and our team, we are formalising volunteer safety guidelines. Because our volunteers enter people's homes, anyone making home visits will complete Police vetting and basic safeguarding training, though current clearances from other recognised community groups are also accepted. We view these checks as a necessary standard rather than a hurdle, ensuring safety for our clients and peace of mind for our volunteers. We are taking the time to set this up properly, and anyone interested in driving, packing parcels, or helping in the office can reach out through our contact page.

Our daily operations are made possible by local businesses and donors who generously contribute food supplies and petrol vouchers. With a permanent board established and winter demand active, our focus remains straightforward: keeping our food stores loaded, maintaining dependable weekly visits, and making sure practical help arrives whenever it is needed. We will continue sharing service updates with volunteers and supporters as our programmes grow.