Ball proceeds going back to the Waihi Beach community
Levi Stewart, Ayla Morton and Trudy van Stee are the three recipients of proceeds from the 2018 Steampunk Op Shop Ball. ■ Levi came third in this year’s National Surf Championship and is now representing New Zealand in the ISA World Surfing Games in Tahara, Japan.
Waihi Beach Events and Promotions chairwoman Nicky Mowat presented a cheque to him last week, and additional funds raised by the community have ensured Levi can continue to pursue his surfing aspirations over the next 12 months and beyond.
■ Ayla Morton, the second recipient, has been running the Waihi Beach Gymnastics Club at the community hall for more than five years, coaching 55 budding school-age gymnasts in addition to a keen group of preschoolers. She also assists in the school’s gymnastics programme. The funds from the Op Shop Ball will be used to purchase an air track mat for use by both the Waihi Beach School and the club.
■ Trudy Van Stee founded A Friend’s Place to provide companionship and activities for elderly residents of Waihi Beach. The programme runs at the Community Hall four days a week with a variety of activities including games, arts and crafts and music. The funds will be used to support training programmes or transport costs for volunteers.