Foundation luncheon a winner

Leading educational publisher Dame Wendy Pye was doing research for an article she was writing, when she made a discovery that changed the course of her life.

She had been a journalist for 22 years and was running the New Zealand Women’s Weekly when she took a trip to Auckland’s North Shore and found a group of Pacific Island boys who had not learnt to read.

‘‘I had never heard of anyone not being able to read. I thought ‘this is just terrible’,’’ she said.

This led Dame Wendy to develop early learning literacy and numeracy material that has helped children all over the world.

Dame Wendy was the guest speaker at the 2013 Annual Ladies Luncheon at Longlands.

The Ladies Luncheon is one of the Pohlen Foundation Trust’s most successful annual fundraising campaigns.

Pohlen Foundation Trust chairperson Lady Margaret Spring thanked all those in attendance.

‘‘By attending this luncheon you are showing your support for Pohlen, and the price of your luncheon ticket will support one of our many projects just that bit more,’’ she said.

‘‘ In essence your donation means that we are able to do the best we possibly can in terms of providing financial assistance for that wonderful facility we call Pohlen Hospital. It is our hope that this enables more people within our community to be cared for here in Matamata. We aim to keep healthcare on our doorstep.’’

A roar of applause filled the restaurant when Lady Margaret announced that since the Foundation’s inception in 2007, the amount it has raised stands at $1 million.

‘‘ I think this is a staggering amount for a town the size of Matamata, and the wonderful thing is you have all helped. You have just cause to be very proud,’’ she said.

‘‘The Foundation only provides the leadership behind the fundraising. However, without people like you supporting us we simply could not have achieved anything like we have, and so on behalf of the foundation can I say a big thank you.’’

The Ladies Luncheon has been so popular that a number of tables for next year’s event have been pre-booked.

Having fun: Mildred Madill and Julie Tracey. Giving: Unichem Matamata’s Jan Harwood and Linden Leaves’ Lizanne Van Tiel get ready to hand out goodies packs. Inspiring ladies: Lady Margaret Spring and Dame Wendy Pye.