Nice Neighbours: Thoughtfulness and generosity, even in a cyclone

We’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town. Nominate someone in your hood, and your special neighbour could feature on Stuff and Neighbourly as an inspiration to us all. Plus, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy card. A Nice Neighbour is someone who has helped to make a difference in your life, or the lives of others. Nominate your Nice Neighbour here.

This week’s Nice Neighbours are Jan and Rod Gair of Flaxmere, nominated by Deana Gillespie.

Gillespie said Jan and Rod are a kind and wonderful retired couple next door.

They have supported her, checked up on her daily, and helped her out during Cyclone Gabrielle even though they had their own children in the area to look after.

They went out of their way to pick Gillespie up from hospital after a minor operation. They brought her home and looked after her, and would not accept anything for doing it.

They also help out other Neighbours.

They phoned Gillespie late one night when they noticed her back door open and lights on, and wanted to check and make sure she was ok and safe before they went to bed.

During the cyclone, Jan went through all her groceries and made up a package of groceries for Gillespie. Gillespie thought they might need them, but Jan would not hear of it, and wanted to make sure Gillespie had enough to eat.

“They are truly wonderful Neighbour’s. I don’t think I would ever be able to repay them for their thoughtfulness, generosity and help. You know, people used to be this way in the 50s and 60s, but gosh, you very, very rarely find people like this these days,” said Gillespie.

Go to Neighbourly to nominate a Nice Neighbour you know.