On Orini farmer Warwick Callaghan donating beasts to the Salvation Army to help feed children who go without:
Your article on Warwick Callaghan, the Orini farmer who donated the meat from three cattle to the Salvation Army for children in need, made me smile.
What a kind and generous man. And how brilliant that other farmers are also getting behind Warwick's drive to donate meat for these children.
My experience of children in hardship is the same as Warwick's; their parents love them just as much as you and I do and most budget better than I do because they have to. Their incomes are simply too low and expenses, particularly housing, are too high. Meat becomes an unaffordable luxury, anaemia is common and this in turn affects the children's growth and development. Farmers donating meat is a practical and effective way to address a real health issue for these children.
All of us can make a difference in the life of a child in need. Consider helping out in a low decile school or food bank, giving to a charity like the Salvation army or Kids Can, or fostering a child for Child, Youth and Family. Surely our kids are worth it.
DR RUSSELL WILLS
Paediatrician, HBDHB
Children's Commissioner
Sonya Ewens: This is loving thy neighbour.
Natalie Hunter: What an amazing idea. I hope others join in with this.
Emma Huch: Wow. Thank you for being an amazing person!
Wendy Munro: Wow so generous. Hope other farmers follow your lead.
Sheran Merritt: There are some truly good people out there. Bless you Warwick Callaghan.