March 22 2017
Made in Selwyn
Your Local Dealership
Further AvonGo City Ford 12,399 copies distributed weekly to Rolleston, West Melton, Darfield and districts
SOUTH ISLAND AGRICULTURAL
FIELD
DAYS
SPECIAL ISSUE
P3
Lions roar in Blenheim Selwyn Lions picked up a number of awards at a recent gathering …
P8
Gallery open again
The lights are back on at the Selwyn art gallery in Darfield …
Cnr Main South Rd & Epsom Rd Sockburn | Christchurch P 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory Street P 03 313 7059 | avoncityford.co.nz
Helping hands wanted u by Kent Caddick
A Selwyn group, whose aim it is to support young people with disabilities, is calling on local businesses to offer up work experience to help the youngsters become part of their local communities. The Selwyn Launch Group was formed in 2013 with the goal of supporting young adults with disabilities, such as autism and Down’s syndrome, living in the district. Founder and current chair of the group, Sandra Gilmour, said their aim is to see these young people with disabilities living as independently as possible with meaningful employment and a good social life. “We would be ver y interested to hear from any businesses that may have work experience opportunities, as we have some very keen and willing students and school leavers p Selwyn Launch Group committee members, from left: Julie-Ann Johnson, Sandra Gilmour (Chair), Lisa Larkin, who would appreciate an Ryan Thomas, Shelley Waters, Jess Waters, Lois Williscroft and Shirley Johnson opportunity to experience the workforce and contribute in the Darfield is not always that easy.” Mrs owner and a staff member from Darfield Gilmour said they have around half a Bakery will speak on their experiences working environment. “We know we are not going to be able dozen young adults who are already in of employing and working alongside to get all the kids jobs, but to get some work experience and they are grateful people with disabilities.” She said it was an ideal time for any work experience is beneficial for these for the businesses that have already new families in Selwyn who may be helped out. young people. The Selwyn Launch Group is holding looking for support and advice to come “It helps them develop a sense of self-achievement and belonging to and an information evening in April for both along and find out what they do. For more information on the Selwyn the young people and their parents contributing to their own community. “It’s about giving them a purpose in along with Selwyn businesses to find Launch Group, people can visit the their lives and giving it to them in their out more about the group. “At the group’s website, selwynlaunchgroup. own communities rather than having to meeting a Darfield mother will speak on org.nz, or contact Sandra Gilmour on 03 travel into Christchurch, which for some her experiences of raising two children 318 1757 or 021 232 8069, or email who live in the more rural areas like with autism,” Mrs Gilmour said. “The rgilmour@ruralinzone.net. ¢
SOUTH ISLAND AGRICULTURAL FIELD DAYS MARCH 29-31 KIRWEE