Renee of Wairoa Primary School, kindly provided the following update which follows with the photographs below. This really reflects how our club is doing great work to put the smiles back on the little faces of these kids, as well as many others who we have provided relief to over the past month, from Rotorua Whakaora and Waiariki Womens Refuge.
However, we are running out of the stuff that helps us keep doing this work – donations. We have enough left for maybe another 4 or 5 missions and since we are a not for profit organisation, we need your help!
Amongst the remaining missions that we are able to undertake at this stage, up to possibly three of those will be for the still very much cut-off Tokomaru Bay, which is just up the coast from Tologa Bay, Gisborne. These folks have been without much for the last month and getting anything through is considerably difficult as access has only been possible by 4×4 which is also limited. The minimal road access that they do have, is further limited to fire and emergency vehicles only. But a permit has been applied for and approved for March 31st. So we will be able to get relief through in the form of generators, battery head lamps, torches, dry food and those other much needed items. We will be flying this into Gisborne for collection closer to this date.
If you are able to help or know of someone who would like to sponsor our efforts, please visit our Give a Little page and become part of our team. Every little bit counts and helps us continue with this work.
“Kia Ora beautiful people. I have been fortunate enough to work with Gina [of Rotorua Whakaora] to give some boost and happiness to some of the Cyclone affected in Wairoa. This happiness was bought to these kids because of your generosity and organisation. To all of you, the organiser,the pilots, the stacker’s, the givers and well wishers thank you. I got to see, hear and feel how these affect Tamariki were today receiving these donations. It lifted my spirits like I’m sure it lifted theirs. The tools, boots and everything else are being put to use also. Thank you. There are more things to give out but please trust they are going to grateful whanau, kids and adults. Nga mihi.” – Renee Hiko
The amount of stuff we are able to pack into a Cessna 172M actually surprises us too! As you can see, we filled up most of the van with toys, books, magazines, cuddly toys, balance bikes, tools, shovels and even a broom! No space was spared in this load at all. ZK-DNT was at maximum all up weight but we got the job done!
And a very special thank you to our sponsors, who without funding we wouldn’t have been able to do all of this.
