‘Phenomenal’ fundraising effort for the Salvation Army by Aurora leaders

Thanks kids: Salvation Army Captain Kevin Waugh was surprised and delighted when he saw the amount of predominantly canned goods Aurora student leaders had collected to donate to the Sallies, along with $2500. He was expecting only a few carton-loads. Captain Waugh is pictured with, standing (from left): Patrick McInnes (Central School), Kayeson Roberts (Te Karaka Area School), Taliyah Wilkins (Ngatapa), Rori Fukushima-Hall (Wainui Beach), Lachie Cornwall (Ruakituri), James Briant (Ormond) and Mahahi Maddock (Rere). In front are Zara Trafford (left, Tolaga Bay Area School) and Greer Newman (Motu). Picture By Liam Clayton

AURORA leaders raised $2500 and collected over 800 cans of food for the Salvation Army as a thank you for its efforts during the pandemic.

The 35 students from the Aurora Leadership Programme organised and ran fundraising activities in their schools' communities.

From these, they were collectively able to donate $2500 and 827 cans of food.

“The money will go towards the Salvation Army helping local families in need of a little extra kindness and compassion in hard Covid times,” Aurora Foundation executive director Sunny Bush said.

Sunny described the 2021 Aurora students as “a wonderful cohort of socially-minded leaders”.

“We are all immensely proud of how they faced the challenge of constantly changing workshops because of the lockdown restrictions.

“This certainly tested their mettle and made them more determined to work even harder at their community fundraising activities in tough times.

“Their collective fundraising effort for the Salvation Army was phenomenal.”

Salvation Army Gisborne corps officer and community ministries director Captain Kevin Waugh said it was a nice surprise being told the Aurora leadership students wanted to donate canned goods.

“I had about four empty cardboard boxes (to collect the goods), thinking that that should be ok. But the mountain of cans I saw wouldn't fit in those boxes.

“I discovered, as the leaders spoke, how they went about collecting those cans and gathering pre-loved clothing items, plus they had raised a substantial monetary amount to give to us as well.

“To all who have been involved, I say a great big thank you. These donations will go a long way to helping people in need.”

St Mary's Catholic School Aurora leader Kylah Loftus said it felt good to give back to the community.

“I was really pleased everybody in our school wanted to help us raise money for the Salvation Army,” Kylah said.

“Our special activity was painting prayer rocks . . . we made $133.”

Central School Aurora leader Jessie Jones said the programme had opened new doors for her and raised her confidence level.

“I am most grateful to my peers. I wouldn't have boosted my confidence without them and it's a shame I won't see them again soon.

“I will definitely try to use the skills this programme has taught me.”