Olivia has sent this message to us:

A harsh reality for our whanau is living in poverty and experiencing hardship daily. We work to bridge gaps for our families not only to have access to education and care but to eliminate some of these hardships so they can experience some more enjoyment in their day to day lives. Every one of our whanau has positive dreams and aspirations for their children to thrive and achieve success as learners.

We have worked hard to put an emphasis on meaningful, respectful, and reciprocal relationships with our whanau. Thankfully, we know this is working well as whanau now come to us and share their needs and struggles in mana enhancing way with their pride intact.

A current need of our community is warmth, especially regarding bedding. Our goal is to respond to this need by collecting as many quality blankets as we can, ideally wool or similar. We would prefer they be in excellent or very good used or new condition.

I am an old girl from St Margarets and recently came back to the school for our time capsule reunion. When we were introduced to Diana and taken on a tour of the school it was more than empowering to see the kindness and compassion she possessed. Diana's interest in the environment and wider community showed she was genuinely nurturing and caring. When brainstorming for who we ask for support, SMC immediately came to mind for me.

I know many families and the wider community of St Margaret's can give and promote others well-being and quality of living and if this is something you could support I would love to hear from you.

Olivia has asked specifically for quality bedding that you may no longer require. This can be in the form of blankets or duvets. She also stated the need for hygiene products for families along the lines of soaps, shampoos and toothpaste products.

If you can help out in any way, we would greatly appreciate it. Please drop products off in Junior classrooms or into my office.

Footwear for Floods