Levin's Red Cross is back in action now building has reopened

Heather Harvey (left) and Penny Lancaster of Levin Red Cross are pleased the group can reopen its hall and thrift shop after two years of earthquake strengthening.

Levin Red Cross is ready to swing back into action after their hall and facilities were forced to close for earthquake strengthening at short notice more than two years ago.

The organisation's hall at 524 Queen St has undergone a major renovation and building process, but is now ready for use again, by both the Red Cross and the many community groups who rented it out on a regular basis before the closure.

The Red Cross thrift shop attached to the hall is also reopening and seeking donations of clean, sellable items but not furniture, to boost its stock.

The Levin group's secretary, Penny Lancaster, said the group was pretty thrown two years ago, when they were given short notice about the hall requiring extensive renovations to bring it up to code in terms of earthquake strengthening.

"It was a long and drawn out process," she said. "But because we are a disaster relief organisation we had to set an example."

Mrs Lancaster said they almost decided to sell the hall, but she was glad the organisation had decided it was better to keep it.

Committee member Heather Harvey agreed the situation had disrupted not just the Red Cross, but also the community groups using the hall.

"We were quite stressed at the time. It displaced a few groups that used it," she said.

"The hall has been totally redone, the roofing has been done, total strengthening with girders."

The organisation celebrates this Saturday March 2 when their shop reopens at 9am with an official opening at 10am with refreshments.

The shop will be then open from 9am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"The important thing is to let everyone know we are back," Mrs Lancaster said. She said all were welcome at the official opening.

The shop is also seeking volunteers who may be able to take a few morning or afternoon shifts. Contact Penny Lancaster on 021 103 2534 if you may be able to offer some time.