Students relish Rotaract idea of getting rugged up for winter
The kids of Natone Park School can keep their ears warm on those cold winter mornings now.
Last Tuesday, members of Rotary’s youth arm, Rotaract, presented every student with a hand-knitted beanie, as part of their Rug Up For Winter campaign. It is the first time Rotaract has undertaken a project like this, and through its website, Facebook and word-of-mouth, the response was immediate.
‘‘We had [120] hats come in from Hamilton to Gore, all hand- made and donated,’’ Rotaract member Artem Axenov said. ‘‘We just thought it was something simple but effective that we can do to help these kids.’’
Hats were chosen over scarves and gloves due to the amount of wool required and ease to make. The group plan to do it again next winter.
Natone principal Kiri Smith said the beanies were wellreceived by the children, with plenty of bright colours and cool styles.
‘‘ Our families have been doing it hard, because of the economic situation in this last year, and at the end of the day beanies are not seen as a necessity.
‘‘We do get a lot of colds and flu and a lot of it is to do with being able to stay warm. These hats are awesome and you can see the kids are happy, it’s really neat for them.’’
Kids at Natone also recently received New Balance shoes as part of a initiative from BNZ and North Porirua Baptist Church.
Rotaract Wellington is for Rotary members aged 18 to 30. More members welcome.