Taking a chance with fete

SCHOOL fetes – I’ve been to a few, and let me tell you, the children love them.

And so they should; it is not often you get to hang out with your school buddies, in a casual and fun environment where the books and pencils are safely packed away. Then throw in rides and sweets and stalls … it’s pure delight.

While the children love them and parents can also enjoy socialising with other adults, it is easy to forget that such events do not happen by magic. They take time, effort and a lot of preparation.

I once volunteered to help at one of the rides, just a short 30minute stint that turned into an hour. Those parents who volunteer to actually put these events together, just how much commitment does it take? There’d be meetings, phone calls and more meetings.

These hardworking members of the school community can often be forgotten by people, such as myself, who simply reap the benefits.

Fetes are incredibly important, not only as a fundraiser, but they also help to foster a sense of community.

Hats off to those who work behind the scenes, they rarely get the credit they deserve and unfortunately if something doesn’t quite go right, they will be the first to be blamed.

I salute them and encourage you to take a moment to think of those volunteers when you next head to a fete.

Better still, perhaps you can lend a hand.