Kavanna fulfils duty
KAVANNA Jade’s first official duty as a Make-A-Wish New Zealand child ambassador was a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.
The 15-year-old, who has a respiratory condition, accepted a $25,000 cheque on behalf of the charity from Fairway Bay developer Top Harbour, raised from the sale of a Wish House in Gulf Harbour.
Kavanna, from Waiheke Island, effortlessly stepped into the role as the charity’s first child ambassador after a lifetime of health problems.
She has chronic suppurative lung disease and chronic obstructive asthma and was just out of a 10-day stay at Starship children’s hospital – the latest of her 200-plus admissions – when she appeared at the cheque handover ceremony.
She still managed to deliver a confident speech to the assembled media and guests at 89 Pinecrest Dr, face interviews, and pose for photographs with her mum Carolyn Ogg.
‘‘I’m really honoured and excited,’’ Kavanna says about her selection as ambassador.
‘‘It’s going to be a great year. I get to help kids’ wishes come true, meet them and get their story.’’
Kavanna’s first Make-AWish experience was a ‘‘dream come true’’ holiday to the Gold Coast last year with a friend and her family, where she patted dolphins and braved theme park rides.
The Waiheke High School student is buzzing to get back into her study fulltime.
‘‘I was a bit annoyed when the doctor told me that I would be doing half days but its for the best for my health,’’ she says.
‘‘But I’ll be back on both my feet, hopefully without crutches, going full days, getting the homework that I’m supposed to be getting, and seeing my friends.
‘‘I’m a people person. I love being around crowds even though I get nervous at times.’’
The Wish House project involved Top Harbour, Barfoot & Thompson, and GJ Gardner Homes Rodney.
The house didn’t sell at an auction in November but a couple from Dunedin bought it later. They were looking forward to being closer to family in Auckland and using their SuperGold cards to take the ferry.
Make-A-Wish granted the wishes of 200 children with ill-health last year.
‘‘I appreciate that despite things not going as planned, Fairway Bay has come to the party and chosen to make this significant donation,’’ Make-A-Wish chief executive Shane Gorst says.