Local Column - Celebrating the role of volunteer groups in our community
On Saturday, I attended the CACTUS graduation dinner at the Horowhenua District Council.
The programme, run by Levin Police, consisted of an 8-week itinerary involving about 26 students at Waiopehu College from Years 10-13. The course included a ‘boot-camp’ style physical element as well social and vocational mentoring elements, complemented by list of motivational speakers. I enjoyed addressing the pupils last month.
A cross section of pupils were selected with a variety of skills and social challenges and many told me that the biggest benefit of being on the programme was believing in themselves and having the confidence to achieve.
I also supported the fundraiser for the Kapiti Coastguard at Paraparaumu.
The fundraiser generated around $20,000 to help purchase a new boat. This follows on from the Waikanae Coastguard upgrading their fleet with a new boat a few years ago.
The Coastguard does outstanding work in our community and is run on a mostly voluntary basis.
Well done to the Levin Police and Kapiti Coastguard. Both need community support to do the important work they do. Thanks.