‘Bumblebee’ car and All Black a hit
Asocial media plea for a “Bumble Bee” car has helped some pupils at a Levin primary school get a ride in their dream car, while last Friday they get to meet an All Black.
A fundraising committee from Levin East School have run a series of raffles in an attempt to raise more than $50,000 needed to replace a derelict senior playground, with all prizes being won by the students themselves
Teacher aide Mel Reeves said the pupils identified with the bright yellow car, as it was made famous as a fictional robot character in a Transformers movie
She put it out a social media message “anyone know anyone with one of these cars” and was put in touch with Tararua Rodders president Dave Sayles.
Reeves said Sayles parked the car at the school each morning so the students could see it, organised for two more cars from his club to be involved so more children could share in the spoils, and also orgainised lollies from Sweets on Oxford to be part of the prize too.
It meant seven children were taken for a ride one afternoon, Omar Hillson, Shayne Hollow, Kereama Wall-Taniwha, Mason Tukapua, Cruz Nutsford, while Theo Anderson wanted to share his prize with his brother Roman.
The other cars were an older Dodge Charger and a Buick, supplied by Bruce Chambers and Tony Mason respectively. The second chance draw was a scooter sponsored by Adriana Wilton of Wilton and Co, won by Tuiti Jenson.
Reeves said the committee had raffled off a visit from All Blacks hooker Dan Coles. That prize was won by Alizaye Te Miha, who along with the rest of Room 19 met Coles last Friday.
Earlier in the week Justin Swain from Higgins Concrete gave Bastein Eagle a ride through the main street of Levin in a massive concrete truck for first prize.
So far the committee had raised $1014 through the different raffles.