Lasting Impact Remembered

Ann Wilson wells up when she thinks about the lasting impression Vicki Fraser left on her life.

Ann joined Family Start when she unexpectedly fell pregnant five years ago. As a solo mother-to-be, Vicki was assigned as her worker and a relationship that would change Ann’s life began to unfold.

“Right from day one she gave me her full support,” she said.
“She had such a huge impact on us and when she left Family Works – she left to work as a Social Worker in Schools with Barnados – I was gutted but I understood.”

When Vicki sadly passed away from cancer earlier this year, Ann wanted to do something in her memory.

So, she donated two ILT Kidzone tickets to Family Works, which were matched by the agency and given to another family who had also worked with Vicki.

“I just wanted to do something,” Ann said.
“Vicki had such a huge impact on me and my son. That the family who got the tickets also worked with Vicki, well, that was perfect.”

Family/Whānau Worker Nerida Hope-Johnstone, who worked with both Ann and the family who received the tickets after Vicki left Family Works in late 2014 said the ticket recipients were hugely grateful for the experience.

“They had the most amazing time,” she said.
“It’s really special to see how Vicki impacted her clients – even five years on, and after her passing, she is still having a positive effect on those she worked with.”