Shuttle bus keeps seniors on the go

Lindsay Upton (left) and Dyann Calverly from Mecoss are delighted with the Auckland Airport grant for their shuttle service. Photo / Jason Oxenham

When you're an elderly person, getting around and doing normal things - like heading out to the mall or the supermarket - can be a tough ask.

But one Auckland charity is helping their local elderly residents by providing a weekly shuttle service to their township and giving them something to look forward to.

The Manukau East Council of Social Services - better known as Mecoss - has been chosen this year as one of 12 New Zealand charities to receive $10,000 from Auckland Airport. The grants are raised by donations from the travelling public who drop unwanted currency into donation globes throughout the airport during the year.

The charity, established in 1997, offers family violence help services, careers and employment advice, migrant and refugee help and youth services for those in the Manukau East areas. The areas include Pakuranga, Botany, Ormiston, Flatbush, Dannemora and Beachlands.

It also helps new migrants and refugees connect with and understand their new home.

Chairwoman Dyann Calverly said their $10,000 will specifically be used to help fund its elderly shuttle service on Thursdays.

"It comes to your door, helps you and gets you to the mall for a few hours. There's a morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off service and you can also book a companion shopper for an extra cost."

Ms Calverly said the shuttle cost $5 but the grant would help to get more residents using it.

"A lot of them look forward to it very much. It's a big highlight of their week."

Ms Calverly said the charity's work showed the struggles different people and families went through on a daily basis.

"It makes you really aware of the problems that are out there in the community. We're so grateful to Auckland Airport not only for choosing us but for helping all the different charities out there doing different kinds of work."

Auckland Airport spokeswoman Anna Cassels-Brown said: "We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who help our elderly to remain active within the community."

• Auckland Airport is giving away $120,000 to Kiwi charities for its 12 Days of Christmas initiative. The Herald and Herald on Sunday will profile each recipient.