Winner
As a counsellor at Kamo High School, I hear how challenging life can be for some students. Next door to our building is a converted prefab (the Whare Awhi). Open at interval and lunchtime, the whare is a place where students go to receive both aroha and kai from the wonderful Cheryl Poutai.
It cannot be underestimated how vital a content stomach is for concentration and the possibilities that get shut off if a student fails to engage in their learning. Cheryl often struggles to resource enough food for the hungry appetites that walk in her door. This is why I think the whare would be a great recipient of the food vouchers from Countdown.
On the day I delivered the tropical banana cake,
I also issued the students an invitation to continue the Pay It Forward vision. A sign next to the cake read, “If you enjoy a piece of this cake, please Pay It Forward today with an act of kindness to someone who is not one of your mates.”
Hopefully, Bake It Forward was converted from the puku into action!