MATIERE School relieving principal Vicki Saunders said the visit from Kiwi Kids went down the treat this week. PHOTO PAUL CHARMAN
WITH its stated mission of “putting smiles on dials,” the Kiwi Kids Charity roared through Waitomo District on Monday.
Kiwi Kids board member Liane Clarke said the charity received a warm welcome when its novelty cars rolled into view at all four scheduled stops, Waitomo Caves, Piopio, Aria and Matiere Schools.
“The principals gave us plenty of love because they value our mission of bringing some fun and happiness to children in more remote areas who can tend to miss out sometimes,” Liane said.
“As well as providing fun and entertainment with the likes of balloon animals and so forth, we can make grants, support such needs as school lunches, or funding to enable children to attend camps.”
Kiwi Kids was derived from the organisation which previously ran ‘The Variety Bash’ event, which later morphed into ‘The Trek.’
Over the past 30 years, these events had criss-crossed the country, featuring crazy cars with drivers decked out in all sorts of weird and wonderful costumes, Liane said.
However, last week the aim was more modest, as Kiwi Kids was reaching out to 1000 pupils at 14 schools between Manukau and Bulls.
Following the visit to Matiere School on Monday, the Kiwi Kids entourage travelled to Whangamomona.
The next day, as well as visiting rural schools in Taranaki, Kiwi Kids visited home-schooled children in New Plymouth.
“Matiere School felt very privileged to have them (Kiwi Kids Charity) visit us,” relieving principal Vicki Saunders said.
“The children thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the friendliness and fun of the team. And we are extremely grateful for the kind donation which will go towards activities and equipment for the children.
“What an exciting experience for the start of our week – we’re looking forward to seeing the Kiwi Kids team again one day.”
