WCOBSERVER Old boys' news and feedback

BROTHERS IN ARMS: HELPING WHERE ITS NEEDED.

Ninety-two years ago, in 1931, Wellington College provided a temporary home for a group of boys from Napier Boys’ High School Boarding Hostel following the earthquake on 3 February.

As we all know, in February, Hawke's Bay was devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle. Napier Boys’ High School suffered badly and thus, Wellington College Students held a Mufti Day with $8,000 raised and donated to NBHS to assist the school as they re-establish themselves, Our wider community also held a ‘Fill the Bus’ Day, assembling donated goods that were delivered to the Hawke's Bay Rescue Operations.

WCOBA President, Ted Thomas received a call from Old Boy, Grant Bundle (Class of 2003). Grant is a teacher and Housemaster at NBHS and they discussed the issues that displaced NBHS students are now facing, particularly in the Boarding House. Grant asked if the Wellington College Old Boy Community might be able to assist by making a donation to support the boys in Scinde House [NBHS Boarding Hostel].

Scinde House has been operating since 1926 and serves a diverse community that covers much of the East Coast from Pōrangahau in the south, to Matawai and Tolaga Bay in the north. The boys who attend the hostel from this wide region are primarily from families

Reconnecting With Old Boys

The College's International Director, Mike Ellett was in Bangkok to showcase Wellington College to prospective new International Students. While he was there, he had the pleasure of catching up with Yuttachat Boonyarat (Class of 1969) at the Education Fair in Bangkok.

Affectionately known as Chat, he talked from agricultural or horticultural backgrounds. Several students have not yet seen their families since the cyclone. The damage to roads has meant that students who would normally travel to and from school by bus most weeks, have either been isolated at home and have not returned to the hostel. about his experiences at Wellington College and the masters and students in the 1968 Firth House photo he also brought along.

Likewise, there are students who have not been able to return home [if it’s still standing] or who have lost everything when the floods swept through their homes. Grant said that there is a clear need for help for the students who have been displaced because of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The WCOBA Executive reached out to our Old Boy Community, to ask for support by donating to the NBHS Scinde House students.

Running for just a week, donations totalled almost $9,000 and it was a pleasure a few weeks ago to present Grant with the 'cheque' to take home to assist those boarders in need.

Subsequently, the Head Prefect of Scinde House, Cameron Brans responded to your support be sending us a video of thanks on behalf of the boys and which you can view HERE.

We appreciate those who gave to help these young men out in a time of need.

Chat came along to the Fair knowing that Wellington College would be present. It was great he brought the photo along to show Mike. Chat asked us all to look after his old school and he encourages us all to visit him if you find yourself in Bangkok.