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Good sort Ila Johnson - Source: ONE News -
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Sometimes you don't need to go far and wide to help out other people, just ask good sort Ila Johnson.
Ila, a Whangarei senior citizen, helps others in her community from the comfort of her lazy boy chair.
At 98-years-old, she is New Zealand's oldest St John's caring caller, offering a sympathetic ear to people who like a good chat.
"I love it, I love it - it gives me something to do and I'm a good talker as you can see," she says.
Ila and Joan talk every day, about family, the weather and other important issues. They have talked everyday for four years, over 1000 phone calls.
But because of St Johns rules they have never met. They did not even know each other's last name.
The thing they both did not realize is that they lived just 300 metres apart.
The telephone is not the only thing in Ila's life - she loves rugby. And not just from the armchair, she goes to every Northland game.
"I've got a little flask that I fill with whiskey with me little cups, and I take that and every try that Northland get I have a whiskey," she says.
Ila's forumla for a long happy life is not a secret as it's printed on her favourite t-shirt, which says rugby, racing and beer.
Ila is a ONE News good sort because even at 98-years she is still looking after others.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentRuralWomenNZ said on 2011-06-17 @ 09:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hey! We thought you might be interested in the aftersocks projects that will raise money for the Chch Mayoral Fund. The idea came from two Cantabrian sisters called Justine and Jo Ottey. Check out the website www.aftersocks.co.nz from the 20th June or www.facebook.com/aftersocks.
Jazz1 said on 2010-05-24 @ 14:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Love this segment! What great people!
margi21 said on 2010-04-07 @ 21:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I have this guys heart i would be dead if it wasent for him , thanks barry !
Jankeal said on 2009-12-25 @ 23:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tim is my father and i'd just like to say that i'm proud of what he does bringing happiness to others lives and yet still finds time to talk and see his grandchildren. For a man who's had it rough the last 2-3 years it hasn't slowed him down and he still has time for everyone. Good on you dad/Pop!
TheHoltens said on 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The piece about Mark Granthams brought tears to my eyes. What an inspirational young man. Has made me look at myself and realise what little I do for the wider community. Thanks Mark :)