Rotary House, transformed by mums. Volunteers, from left, Danielle Rodger, founder Abbey Fouche, Bianca Paterson, Sammie Van Tuyl and Jaimee Hunt.
Rotary House on Hibiscus Coast Highway, Silverdale (opposite the park ‘n’ ride) is about to enter a new chapter in it history, which includes a pink makeover.
The old building was made available to the public by Orewa Rotary for events and meetings, but was rundown until recently when it was leased by The Mums Clique Charitable Trust.
Re-named The Haven, the building has been renovated top to toe, inside and out, by volunteer members of the Clique, giving it a fresh, modern look.
This is the third move for the organisation, which started at Orewa Community House in August last year, then moved to Stoney Homestead in Millwater (HM July 15). Founder Abbey Fouche says it quickly outgrew both sites and looked everywhere before finding Rotary House.
The Mums Clique provides a hub for all mums, including playgroups, information, support and education.
Abbey says the new facility has the potential to bring in other organisations such as Plunket and Maternal Mental Health as well as provide a drop in space. Gran Friends (formerly Surrogate Grandparents) are partnering with Mums for multi-generational playgroups. A commercial kitchen makes cooking classes another possibility and a recycled boutique and café are also on the wish list.
Abbey says taking on the lease is “a huge risk” for her voluntary organisation but a recent Hibiscus & Bays Local Board grant for $10,000 and sponsorship from local businesses is a positive start.
The Haven opens to the public on November 7. A Family Fun day will be held on November 8.
