Community support: Whanganui children given backpacks for school year

Delighted with their new backpacks are, from left: Amelie Amore Waho Marsden Te Tua, Te Atakahaea Dekker-Taurua, Toa Dekker-Taurua and Dieter-Pride Dekker-Taurua. Photo / Tyler Dickinson

A group of Whanganui children have new backpacks and other essentials to start the school year, thanks to a partnership between Woven Whānau and Bayleys Whanganui.

Woven Whānau is a Whanganui-based initiative that partners with parents and grandparents raising their mokopuna to connect families and build healthy communities.

Real estate company Bayleys Whanganui ran a promotion to buy and donate backpacks for every house it sold in December and January.

This week the children and families were invited to collect their new backpacks.

The children selected live with a single parent or are being raised by grandparents.

Their backpacks were filled with back-to-school essentials, such as lunchboxes, drink bottles and stationery, some of which were donated by the community.

Woven Whānau co-ordinator Lynette Archer said the children were thankful for the initiative.

“The kids couldn’t believe the ability to choose their bag,” Archer said.

“The grandparents we spoke to said that it has taken away another burden of the costs of starting the year for them.

“It is a real gift for us to do that for the families. It is so delightful to watch - we get a real kick out of seeing the delight on their faces.”

Archer said Woven Whānau appreciated the care shown.

“We’re very grateful to Bayleys - they had wanted to do an initiative like this and had heard about what we do,” Archer said.

“They were actively interested in the reaction of the families that came in. I think they were pleased to have done that with us.”

Bayleys Whanganui's Felicity Sigley (left) with Woven Whānau grandmother Adrienne Davies. Photo / Tyler Dickinson

Bayleys Whanganui marketing executive Tyler Dickinson said the company was pleased to see the effect of the initiative on the children and caregivers.

“It’s about giving tamariki the best possible start to their education,” she said.

“Through our partnership with Woven Whānau, the backpacks we provide aren’t just filled with school supplies - they are a symbol of care, connection and community.

“These backpacks help children feel valued, supported and ready to embrace the school year with confidence and excitement, knowing their whānau is backed by a community that cares.

“We’re proud to have been a part of this initiative alongside Woven Whānau to help connect our community in meaningful ways to ensure that no one faces these challenges alone.”