RRT Papakura – Crystal bright day sends disadvantaged kids to big day out!
Children who are used to coping with the lows of chronic illnesses were treated with the ultimate high – a day out at Crystal Mountain Adventure Park organised by Southern Stars!
Southern Stars is a charitable trust who aim to assist special needs and disadvantaged children in New Zealand.
Kids Big Day Out, an annual event held during the summer period, provides up to 1500 special needs and disadvantaged children and their caregivers with a fun day out at the theme park with lots of thrilling rides, free BBQ lunch and provides much needed funds to beneficiary charities.
Last year these charities included The Burn Support Group Charitable Trust, Kidney Kids, Koru Care New Zealand, Kidsline, and New Zealand Down Syndrome Association.
On Saturday 20th March 2021, volunteers from the Papakura Rapid Relief team were thrilled to be apart of the day, providing hungry children and their parents with a BBQ lunch.
The weather sure played its part, as the theme park soon bustled with excited children – a highlight of the year for some!
Around midday, aromas of a true kiwi BBQ filled the crystal blue sky and a lunch stop was high on the program. RRT volunteers handed out over 900 sizzling hot sausages and bread – of course served with a condiment of choice!
Event organiser Fred Alder was greatly appreciative of the RRT team serving at the event. “Once again it was great to work with your organisation, so friendly and efficient”.
Papakura team leader Julian Frizzell said ‘It was a delight to witness the smiles of enthusiasm on the faces of disadvantaged children who don’t experience days out like these very often. The day provided them with a lifetime of happy memories, of which some children may not have the opportunity to have again.’
What stuck on the minds of our team the most, was despite the illnesses of children, they still have the capacity to smile, laugh and create good memories.
We look forward to helping again at Kids Big Day out 2022.
