Whangārei respite care cottage receive $5k for child care, grapple with council bill

Freemasons' Kevin Burch (back left) and Lindsay Stichbury, Christine Stichbury, Judy Burch with Kind Hands' Sharlene Clements (front left), Eli Barnes, Shelby Porowini and Irene Dunn. Photo / John Stone

Whangārei's Kind Hands has been given a boost to help pay for the care of children who may otherwise "fall between the cracks".

The respite care cottage, run by Sharlene Clements, received a $5000 donation from the Freemasons on Wednesday. It is the second $5000 donation the organisation has provided this year.

Northland district grand master Kevin Burch said the Northland district had made Kind Hands it's charity for the next couple of years.

"Being able to do something like this is incredible."

The first donation from the northern area Masonic organisation helped buy equipment to furnish the building. The second donation has come from the Youth Assistance Trust - a separate arm within the organisation.

Clements said that money will go towards the part time care of six children over a period of two months.

"It's for the children who fall between the cracks - who can't afford to pay for care."

Burch said Northland's 11 lodges - from Wellsford to Kaitaia - were continuing to fundraise and would make more donations in the future.

The wives and partners of the members of the Freemasons have been busy knitting and sewing cardigans, vests, singlets, booties, teddy bears, quilts and more for the centre.

Christine Stichbury said around 20 boxes of items have been delivered over the past six months "and they're still knitting and sewing".

Meanwhile, there has been a community outcry after the community facility was issued with a $21,618.84 bill by Whangārei District Council for development contributions.

Kind Hands was built by Clements' husband David, and the couple took out a loan to build the centre.

Clements said they did intend to pay their development contributions bill, but couldn't afford to pay it upfront.

She said the council was allowing them to pay it off, but in the meantime the family's caravan was up for sale as they looked to raise the money.

Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai said in her two visits to Kind Hands to discuss this matter she has seen the centre's positive impact on the community and was not surprised so many people wanted to support them.

"Believe it or not, council is doing it's best to help them too."

She said development contributions are a potential cost for any new business and should be factored in to the overall development costs.

"However it appears Kind Hands needs some kind hands of its own. Council has no ability to waive development contributions, however we have made the offer to have their development contributions paid off over time, in accordance with our policy."

A charitable trust is also being set up to support Kind Hands. Mai said such a trust could apply to the council's community fund for financial assistance.

"I am aware they have a givealittle page and am sure they would appreciate any contributions to it from the community."

To donate go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/kind-hands