Alf Zeeno is known as the “Christmas Alf” at Viewhills Manor in Endeavour Hills after spending the past couple of months making wooden toys which will be given out to
By Kelly Yates
VIEWHILLS Manor resident Alf Zeeno has been given the nickname “Christmas Alf”.
Mr Zeeno has been hard at work over the past couple of months making wooden toys such as police cars and helicopters which will be given out to disadvantaged children for Christmas.
The 84-year-old has been working on the toys as part of a lifestyle and leisure program at the Endeavour Hills aged care facility. Mr Zeeno has been a carpenter for his whole life, according to his son Colin.
“Dad was involved with the building workers’ union for about 30 years,” he said.
As Colin was growing up, he remembers his father always fixing things around the house.
“He was really good with things like that,” Colin said.
Colin and his family say they are very proud of Mr Zeeno’s efforts at making the toys in the lead-up to Christmas.
“It’s wonderful as it gives him something to do and gives the children something to look forward to,” he said.
Lifestyle co-ordinator at Viewhills Manor Cheryl Hallam said she developed the toy making project for Mr Zeeno because of his passion for woodwork.
“We created the activity so he could maintain his hand at woodwork,” she said.
“He spent an hour a day working on the toys. He even had work placement student Hasharni helping him out with the project.”
Ms Hallam said she was impressed with the quality of the wooden toys.
“He is a perfectionist,” she said. “He spent hours sanding down the toys and making sure every wheel turned.”
The toys will be handed out to children at the Viewhills Manor Christmas party on 21 December.
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Picture: Stewart Chambers
