The Sun
Wednesday January 30, 2013
11
Sunscreen given to children By Emily Elliott For many low-income families, sunscreen becomes another product that children go without due to the cost. Recently, a suggestion was placed in the suggestion box at John’s Kitchen, asking for help to buy sunscreen. According to Yvonne Dasler, conveynor for John’s Kitchen, they are now able to provide families with small pottles of suncreen to take to school. “The kind people at the Cancer Society donated a bulk container of sunscreen, and UFS pharmacy has put it into little pottles suitable for a schoolbag.” “It’s a wonderful partnership,
and now anyone who needs sunscreen for their school children can come and get some free of charge.” According to Ms Dasler, John’s Kitchen has a child focus, and is all about healthy children. She believes that the beginning of the year can be a hard time for a lot of parents when their children head back to school. John’s Kitchen already gives bread to children for their lunches, as well as provides good food for little costs. According to Ms Dasler, because John’s Kitchen have a local approach, a need that comes up in the community can
be filled. “In Marlborough, sunscreen is a must have, but when it comes down to food on the table or sunscreen, the food will always win.” “Marlborough is a great community, if there’s a need people do just pull together for an easy solution.” Katharine Warren, a volunteer at John’s Kitchen and a mother of two, said it was wonderful that they were able to get sunscreen for children, as it is an expensive product. John’s Kitchen will be giving the pottles of suncreen to anyone who needs it, and are happy to accept donations.
Outward Bound “fantastic”
Dylan, Mason, and Katharine Warren are the first family to receive a pottle of Suncreen, thanks to the Cancer Society, UFS Pharmacy, and John's Kitchen.
Marlborough Colleges’ head boy and girl returned from a three week Outward Bound course held in Anakiwa this week. Every year, Marlborough Girls’ College and Marlborough Boys’ College sends their head boy and girl to the course, where they are joined with other leaders from schools around New Zealand for days of sailing, tramping, rock climbing,
Danielle Murphy, (front left) Amanda Bashford, (right) Sophie Bashford, (mounted) and Amanda Johnstone, (back) with Bloom, a five year-old mare from Gisborne which is being trained, would love to see more volunteers at Riding for the Disabled in Marlborough.
high ropes courses, and more. According to head girl, Georgie Crawford, the course was fantastic and she loved it. “It was definitely challenging but rewarding. “It was amazing how quickly we bonded as a group.” Georgie and head boy, Atu Moli, were split up when they got to the course, and were each put in a random group with fourteen other boys and
girls, where they did everything together. One highlight for Georgie was the rock climbing up a cliff face. “We had to do it blind folded, which took a lot of communication and support from the others, but our whole group made it to the top!” Marlborough First Light Foundation sponsored the two leaders so that they could attend the course.
Roslein Wilkes (left) and Amanda Johnstone, with Sundance, say there are lots of different jobs for volunteers, not always horse-based.
From the horses mouth; your help is needed Story and photo by Annabelle Latz Volunteering at Riding for the Disabled does not necessarily require a love for the four legged friend. If you have skills in the garden, on the farm, with people, or simply just enjoy lending a hand, there would still be a spot for your help. More volunteers are needed, for the daily running of the 26-acre property. Currently there are 80 clients riding the 19 horses at Churchward Park on Taylor Pass Rd, who require assistance due to a range of
disabilities, including depression, paralysis, and cerebral palsy. Head coach Roslein Wilkes said each session requires up to five volunteers, so at least another six are needed. “There’s every disability imaginable,” she said. “But I don’t want people to think that it’s just work with the children and horses,” said Roslein, pointing out that the 26-acre property requires a lot of farm-based skills too. Some people riding the horses are in their seventies, who Roslein said would appreciate
being assisted by older volunteers. Full training is provided, and there are opportunities to upskill, and study for NCEA courses. Amanda Bashford is assistant head coach, and started off as a volunteer. “Even if someone had half an hour once a week to water the plants, that would be a help.” Amanda and her little sister Sophie, both home schooled, have both been coming to RDA for many years. Sophie is following in her big sister’s footsteps.
“I love helping the kids, I get a good thrill out of it,” she said. Amanda Johnstone loves seeing the confidence and relationships build between the horses and riders. Danielle Murphy works full time at RDA, but also started off volunteering. “It’s a good training ground here,” she said. With 54 RDA groups around New Zealand, and volunteers programmes between countries, there are plenty of opportunities. For more information on volunteering, phone Roslein on 578 3051 or 021 257 4616.