Arapohue Retreat: A place for rest and recovery in a country setting

$20,322 donated

Given by 46 generous donors in 4 years

New residential retreat for Northland, a rural haven in the midst of native bush with healing animals and a community veggie garden

Northland

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WST is establishing a new rural retreat near Dargaville, Northland, to help those struggling with life. The old Arapohue Bush Camp is 22-acres of land with buildings and native bush, located 16km south east of Dargaville and 58km west of Whangarei. The team is restoring the buildings and establishing the Arapohue Retreat; a safe haven for those in need.

Wild Side Charitable Trust (WST) was formed in 2017 and has a solid board of trustees and advisors. In the past year, the Centre Directors, registered tradies and volunteers have been restoring buildings and infrastructure. They have created a large community veggie garden and orchard to feed, not only future guests, but divert surplus to nearby foodbanks.

In preparation for the retreat opening for residential guests in the near future, the Trust is working with other local organisations serving the needs of Northland. We hope to work with other agencies like Te Ara Oranga, Te Hā Oranga, Timatanga Hou (Dargaville detox), Northland DHB Mental Health & Addictions Community Services and Arataki Ministries Mental Health Services... because TOGETHER, WE HAVE THE ANSWERS.

www.wildsidetrust.org

Wild Side Charitable Trust's involvement (page creator)

I am the Spokesperson and one of the founding trustees of the Wild Side Charitable Trust. The Arapohue Retreat is my vision to help those struggling with life issues in NZ by establishing a healing rural retreat in Northland.

Use of funds

WST will purchase the Arapohue Bush Camp property, 22-acres of land in Northland, restoring buildings needing repair, and introduce a 6-12 month residential rehab and recovery programme to help addicts and their families.

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Incredible healing at Arapohue Retreat 26 November 2022

"From drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, guns, gangs and prostitution to a miracle healing within four weeks," -Kayla

We have been privileged to watch the transformation of Kayla's life. In one month she is totally free of all addictions and experienced miraculous healing of much serious trauma.

Thanks to volunteers and guests for their hard work restoring Korowai Cabin for Kayla and her boys. This will be a ministers respite once they have moved on. Thanks to faithful partners whose donations have made this possible.

"Thank you to these beautiful people for giving me and my boys a place." -K

Pam Foster, Kaukapakapa, has generously donated two therapy horses with beautiful temperaments. Animals bring healing to a person's heart, helping emotions numbed by trauma to awaken and rebuild trust. Thanks also to horse-whisperers Jenna and Tony Fraser and girls for their advice and support.

YWAM Nelson did a wonderful job on 'Operation Squirrel' - clearing a huge pile of donated bedding etc, plus weed eating, lawn mowing and fixing the old sash windows in Okahu House mens accommodation. Much appreciated, and such fun!

Will you help us get through the next three months? Please consider what you, your family, your trust or organisation could donate THIS MONTH to help us meet these urgent needs:

Exterior paint needed for accommodation buildings and deck repair ($1,600)

Monthly operational costs ($3,000pm)

Okahu House (Lower) Stage 1 ($6,600)

Hoyle Lodge Kitchen Stage 1 (WAS $32,830 NOW ONLY $23,612 THANKS TO ANZ STAFF FOUNDATION GRANT)

You're welcome to come out and volunteer any time. But if you're not local and would like to volunteer and you have building skills or gardening experience, we can provide food and accommodation. We're only looking for ONE person for each residential volunteer role. Arapohue Retreat is drug and alcohol-free (inc nicotine + vapes). NON-SMOKERS only. Call Ray on 09 439 5717 ext 1 or 027 254 6778 or email ray@thewildside.net

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