1960s
Laura Fergusson Trust established
Lady Laura Fergusson, wife of then Governor General, was deeply concerned at seeing so many young faces in geriatric wards when on her official visits to hospitals throughout the country. With support from friend Lady Mary Caughey, she encouraged a meeting to be held at Government House in 1967 and as a result a National Trust was formed to “assist disabled persons in the solution to their residential problems. Lady Fergusson became Patron of the Trust and injected a great deal of enthusiasm into her work with Women’s Auxiliaries. She was an inspiration, lending not only her name to the Trust, but her whole self to this cause in which she believed wholeheartedly.
The Laura Fergusson Trust Canterbury branch formed
The Laura Fergusson Trust Canterbury branch was formed and the first meeting of the Women’s Auxiliary Committee was held. Esteemed Patron, Mrs Noelene McIlroy was elected President and fundraising for a home at Ilam Road immediately commenced with vigour. Mrs McIlroy remained a passionate supporter of the Trust until her death in 2012.
Early 1970s
November 1978
Funds are raised
The final $50,000 is raised to furnish and equip the home through the efforts of the Women’s Auxiliary. Through its efforts and events, the auxiliary raised $80,000 towards the total cost of the home, allowing it to open debt free.
279 Ilam Road is officially opened
The dream of Lady Fergusson that a home for disabled young people be built in Christchurch becomes a reality. The home at 279 Ilam Road is officially opened by Lady Ballantrae (formerly Lady Laura Fergusson). Later that year Lady Ballantrae tragically passes away in Scotland in a motor vehicle accident.
March 1979
1984
Recreation room added
A recreation room is added to the home with $22,000 raised from the Women’s Auxiliary and Telethon.
Beveley Murray joins the Women’s Auxiliary
Beveley Murray joins the Women’s Auxiliary, the start of a long and much valued relationship with Laura Fergusson Trust. Beveley became a Trust Board Member in the mid 1990s as President of the Women’s Auxiliary. From 2004 – 2006 she was Chairperson of the Noelene McIlroy QSO Laura Fergusson Residents’ Trust. Beveley remains our Patron today.
1989
1991 – 1995
Residents’ lounge is extended
The residents’ lounge is extended and refurbished with funds raised by the Women’s Auxiliary and paintings donated by Canterbury artists. The Dean of the Christchurch Medical School opens a new six-bedroom wing, added to accommodate the growing demands for residential beds. Funds are also raised to extend the kitchen and dining areas.
Independent living studios built
Six self-contained studio units are built for more independent living. A new career support unit, now home to the Intensive Rehabilitation Service, is opened together with a conservatory and BBQ area.
2001 – 2005
2010 – 2014
The Trust grows
Laura Fergusson Trust Canterbury enters a growth phase and a number of businesses are purchased to build upon and strengthen the range of services able to be offered to people with a brain, spinal and other injuries in the community. These include Insight Ltd, Home Action Team and Canterbury Homecare Trust, our Berrywood residential home.
Laura Fergusson Trust Canterbury wins the contract to deliver intensive inpatient services for traumatic brain injury.
Can Do Catering established
Our social enterprise, Can Do Catering is established, employing residents of Laura Fergusson Trust and providing them with real jobs. The following year, Can Do Catering is recognised as a finalist in the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
2015
2017
Awards
Laura Fergusson Trust Canterbury is awarded two continuous improvement commendations for quality of service.
Mobility Hub opened
Brain injury research became a key focus area with the appointment of a full-time researcher and the trust was awarded host status with the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation.
The Mobility Hub is opened, to deliver one stop wheelchair and seating assessment services and grant funds of $24,200 are raised to support the new initiative.
2018
2019
Funding for virtual reality research
Funding is secured to continue with ground breaking research using virtual reality technology in brain injury rehabilitation.
40 year celebration
An event is held at the Christchurch Town Hall to recognise and celebrate 40 years of services to residents at 279 Ilam Road.
2019
2020
New brading
A new name and brand for the Laura Fergusson Trust Canterbury is launched – The Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.
Land for future home purchased
LFBIT purchase land at 126 North Parade and 37 Poulton Ave, the former location of Marian College – ready for a future home.
2021
