by Holly Southernwood
The Christmas day lunch was not without its challenges. Flooding and an electrical fault nearly stopped the dinner happening and at least 30 people were prevented from attending due to rainy weather and flooded roads. Our key caterer was held up and, to top it all off, power to the Helensville Primary School hall failed at 10am. For those who braved the elements, a substantial meal with all the Christmas trimmings was served before 1pm. The children received gifts and scrambled for lollies in the hall, as it was too wet for outside activities.
Huge thanks to the volunteers who persisted and improvised where needed. Special thanks to local electrician Tony Cooper, who came out on Christmas day, and to school caretaker Tony Hemehema, who took the roast beef home to finish cooking it. Helensville Primary makes a hugely appreciated contribution by providing their superb facility free of charge. Generous donations of food and cash were much appreciated, particularly funding by Magnify Church Centre. Bea Stumpel of Kaipara Fresh Fish & Takeaways provided her catering experience and facilities to produce most of the hot food, a generous contribution. Volunteers make the event happen and were a great bunch. Left over food went to worthwhile and needy people.
