Mangawhai wharf project receives heart-warming gift

 

When Jean Holgate offered to pledge $3,840 to the PledgeMe campaign for the rebuild of the Mangawhai Historic Wharf, Trust member Colin Leach wondered whether there was an interesting story behind such an exact amount. And there was.

Jean’s husband, Brian, sadly passed away six weeks ago. 

“Brian always said that if he ever won Lotto, he would donate to the building of the wharf in Mangawhai,” Jean explained. “He thought it was a marvellous idea and we were interested in the project as soon as we heard about it.”

Home for Jean and Brian has been Whangaparaoa, but they have had a bach in Mangawhai Heads for a few years now. As a couple they sailed together for 55 years.

“We had a great life and goodness knows how many wharves we have tied up to!” Jean recalss. “Have you ever been to the Riverhead Pub and seen the difference the wharf has made there?”

Jean explained that Brian had some bonus bonds.

“I have just cashed them in. The exact amount was $3,840 and I knew exactly what I had to do with that money.”

Colin Leach commented that it was due to the generosity and support of people such as Jean, and Brian, that the Trust is confident it will reach its funding target.

At print time of this issue the project had received over $22,000 from 69 pledges with 26 days left on PledgeMe.

A supporter of the new wharf proposal, Brian Holgate passed away just weeks ago, but was still able to give posthumously to the fund. PHOTO/SUPPLIED