Seeing the World, Thanks to a Gift
A Gift That Opens Worlds: $10,000 Donation Helps Bring the World to The Care Home
Thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from the family of a resident, our community at The Care Home is continuing to explore the world in a truly unique way - through virtual reality.
The donation has helped renew vital VR licences, upgrade equipment, and ensure staff have the time and resources to guide residents through SilVR Adventures’ immersive experiences. These sessions allow residents to step into places they’ve always dreamed of visiting - or revisit meaningful ones from the past - without ever leaving the lounge.
Recently, a group of our most passionate VR explorers - Don, Eddy, Ron, and Jimmy - took a virtual journey to Agra, India, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. For 21 minutes, they wandered through the city’s stunning architecture, marvelling at the detail and scale. “Where is the camera hiding?” Don asked, amazed by the 360° view.
SilVR Adventure's on using VR at Nurse Maude
The tour sparked personal memories and lively conversation. After seeing an elephant on the VR tour, Don recalled riding one on holiday years ago. Ron, who hasn’t travelled much outside New Zealand, was struck by the grandeur. He appreciates that VR allows him to travel to places he may never have had the chance to see in his lifetime. Jimmy is always fascinated by the people and countries he visits in VR - his experiences often lead him to continue reading and learning about the places long after the headset comes off.
Laughter filled the room as the group discussed how people in the recording of the tour often approach the 360-degree camera staring- “People probably think we look like aliens,” someone joked - but that didn’t stop anyone from soaking up the experience.
Laughter filled the room as the group discussed how people in the tour recording often approach the 360° camera, staring straight into it. “People probably think we look like aliens,” someone joked - but that didn’t stop anyone from soaking up the experience.
This donation is already making an impact - and not just through technology. It’s giving residents new stories to share, new memories to spark, and fresh ways to connect with one another and with their families. The team at SilVR Adventures, including their social media manager Sabrina, continues to help document and share these moments, reminding us all that curiosity and wonder don’t fade with age.
To the generous whānau who made this possible: thank you. Your gift is more than equipment - it’s a window to the world.
