Among the more than 50 senior Tapanui residents benefiting from a new neighbourly check-up scheme during power cuts are Hazel Pearce (left), and Helen Wicksteed. That had meant many vulnerable people had been left with no source of heating, and without power for phones, cooking or essential medical devices, Mrs Wink said. "There should really be a second heating source in all [West Otago] homes, but since there isn't, this is the next best thing we can do." She was also taking steps to formalise the group's activity by liaising with West Otago Health, Mrs Wink said. They asked if I needed firewood brought in or groceries delivered," Mrs Pearce said.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 03, 2019 15:33 UTC