I.H.C. workshop opens

Press, 8 December 1988, Page 7

I.H.C. workshop opens

By

DEBORAH MCPHERSON

A new workshop and building for the intellectually handicapped was opened in Christchurch yesterday by the Gover-nor-General, Sir Paul Reeves, and Lady Reeves. The $300,000 adult vocational centre in Marylands Place is the base for the Christchurch west branch of the I.H.C. The new workshop,

called Linkpak, caters for up to 40 adult workers contracted to provide a packaging service for various airlines, including Air New Zealand, Ansett, Quantas and Mount Cook. The workers clean and replace parts for headphone sets or pack supplied inflight snacks. The centre is one of four such I.H.C. workshops in the city. During the opening, the

Governor-General, as patron of the 1.H.C., also planted a kowhai tree. The I.H.C. was split into four branches last year, after the Canterbury branch became too large, said the Christchurch West branch manager, Mrs Jean Martin. The west branch also offered residential care, vocational work, and social work services, she said.

The chairman of the Waimairi District Council, Mrs Margaret Murray, also a guest at the opening, said she supported the centre’s work.

“It will make a great contribution, and it’s appropriate that it is able to be here in the commercial area.” Mrs Murray had been the chairwoman at the first meeting of the branch.