Four Rotary clubs joined forces to donate a car for Ms Rodger to use in her part-time role. She travels throughout Central Otago, Wanaka and Queenstown, offering support to those who care for dementia patients in their own homes.
"We're just thrilled at this gesture," Alzheimers Society Otago manager Julie Butler said.
Until now, Ms Rodger has used her own car and been reimbursed for the mileage.
"This will make it so much easier for her and the service she provides is even more valuable in a rural area, where there isn't an easy access to other support services."
Last year, Ms Rodger travelled more than 5000km. The number of families on her books was 58 but was steadily growing, Mrs Butler said.
Past governor of Rotary district 9980 (Temuka south), Lindsay McIntyre, of Bannockburn, said the project was one of many supported by Rotary. Often its work went "under the radar," he said.
The $11,000 car was supplied at cost by Grant Ward, of Alexandra, and the Alexandra, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka Rotary clubs donated funds, along with the Rotary foundation. The car was officially handed over to the society this week.
Mrs Butler said the signwriting on the car would also help raise the profile of Alzheimers and hopefully lead to more people contacting the society.
"What's special about this car is that it's local people supporting a local project, which supports people in this area," she said.
The Central Otago support service was funded solely by grants. The society had had an office in Alexandra for five years.
