Childcare centre gala to help garden
A community garden at a preschool in Rototuna will be a win/ win for all concerned, says the centre manager.
Linda Neville, who heads Barnardos Kidstart Childcare Te Totara Early Learning Centre, said while the garden will produce vegetables for its young patrons and the wider community it will also add another aspect to the educational programme.
‘‘It’s about giving back to the community,’’ she said. ‘‘It is a project that parents and children can jointly be part of.’’
She said the garden also provides a ‘‘great learning opportunity’’, covering areas such as nutrition and subsistence.
Established in 2010, the centre caters for more than 80 youngsters aged between three months and five years old.
Linda Neville said planning for the garden began in the middle of last year. ‘‘We reviewed our community involvement and outdoor environment (at the centre).
Based next to Te Totara School on Hector Drive, the centre had a vacant area where the garden is being developed.
Bunnings have come to the party already, donating seedlings to the centre.
Next up will be digging and planting, said Linda Neville.
Managed by the centre, she said the community garden will feature a variety of vegetables according to the various seasons.
Developing the garden will obviously cost money and to kick it off the centre is hosting a gala this Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
The packed programme includes a sandpit hunt, face painting, a ball target game, cupcake decorating and a lollie dip.
Linda Neville said there will be plenty of refreshments available including a sausage sizzle, Mr Whippy ice creams and a coffee van.
The first of its kind in the Ham- ilton, the centre is part of social service organisation Barnardos, but with its own byline: ‘‘We are not for profit, 100 per cent Kiwiowned and have been here for over 40 years.’’
Linda Neville said the centre relies on its community so would like to contribute back to it.