Opinion: Homeless shelter a timely reminder that love trumps hate

Tiny Deane and his partner Lynley McMillan are setting up a homeless shelter. Photo/Ben Fraser

We need more people like Tiny Deane and Lynley McMillan in the world.

People who don't just say they care, but actually show it.

Mr Deane and Ms McMillan, his fiance, have set out to accomplish a hefty philanthropic feat - to house Rotorua's homeless.

The couple are in the process of leasing a home to accommodate 24 homeless people a night, in a selfless bid to improve the lives of people around them.

Why? They want to help people.

In yesterday's Rotorua Daily Post, Mr Deane explained their overall plan was huge - he didn't just want to give the homeless a place to lay their head - he wanted to bring them back into society, make them feel wanted and loved and show them the respect they deserved.

He's done his homework, travelling the country to meet others who provide similar services - to find out how they run and staff the homes - and importantly, fund the endeavour.

So far Mr Deane and Ms McMillan have paid for everything out of their own wallets. But they've also received pro bono assistance from lawyers and accountants, and verbal agreements from other parties who have pledged to help.

The couple are not the first people to try to uplift those who can't uplift themselves. The Rotorua community has a well-documented track record for rallying around those who need help.

But in a week where we've seen abhorrent, hateful behaviour from humans in Charlottesville, it is heartwarming to see people actively working to make life better for others.

It is human nature to love and want to be loved. In a world that is sadly full of so much hate and intolerance, let's remember why we are here and what we can achieve if we work together.

Mr Deane and Ms McMillan are a timely reminder that love will always trump hate.