Charity's help 'appreciated beyond words'

Studying fulltime at university can be difficult for anyone. But if you're a single parent of three things can be even tougher.
For the past three years, Michaela Kamo has dropped her kids - Arana, 11, Finlay, 7, and Elan, 5, - off to school before heading to her own kura, Waikato University on Durham St.
The 38-year-old is studying a Te Ataarangi course fulltime, strengthening her te reo Maori, and next year she will finish a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Maori Studies.
Ms Kamo moved to Tauranga from Christchurch just before she began her studies, after her relationship with her children's father ended.
Having not studied since she did a broadcasting diploma when she was 18, Ms Kamo decided to head back to school.
But this time she had three children in her care.
"It's been a juggle - you don't want your kids to miss out," she said. "The kids often say 'it's so cool mum that you go to school too'."
She says at times it has been difficult but thanks to the help of extended whanau, Tauranga Moana iwi, new friends and a scholarship from the Acorn Foundation, she has been successful in her studies.
"I feel really grateful," she said.
The Acorn Foundation distributes the interest from funds donated by people through their will or out of generosity to charities throughout Western Bay.
Last night, 35 charities were awarded funds by the Acorn Foundation at its annual distributions ceremony, held at the Farmer Auto Village on Hewletts Rd. Western Bay's Kate Flanagan was awarded the Adult Leadership scholarship - the only individual recipient.
Ms Kamo was last year's recipient of the scholarship sponsored by Eva Trowbridge, who died in 2006.
"I thought 'wow what a neat lady'," Ms Kamo said about finding out about her donor.
"I'd like to do something similar myself one day. To help others is such a generous thing and something I personally appreciate beyond words."
Ms Kamo plans to continue her studies in social sciences and work in iwi marketing or tourism when she finishes her studies next year.
Ms Kamo can also now hold a conversation in te reo Maori - something she has always wanted to do.
"That's why I initially started [the degree] because I wanted the reo for my kids and mokopuna (grandchildren).
"I wanted to show them how important education is."
About Acorn:
* Established in 2003 and based in Tauranga
* 65 donors have pledged money or left funds in their will
* Only the interest from the donations is distributed
* Money is only given to organisations within Western Bay
* More than 70 organisations and eight individuals have benefited from the Acorn Foundation
* The Acorn Foundation also distributes money within Bay of Plenty for the Tindall Foundation.
* A combined $202,000 was distributed last night - $108,000 from Acorn Foundation and $94,000 through the Tindall Foundation
* So far $550,00 has been distributed in Western Bay by the Acorn Foundation
* Scholarships are distributed once a year. Visit www.acornfoundation.co.nz or phone (07) 579 9839.