Bay runs on power of the people

After what felt like a plunge back into early winter during the working week, Mother Nature has decided to deliver some sunshine for the weekend - and the timing could not be better.

Because for many hundreds of people throughout the Hawke's Bay community there is good work, with fresh air and fun involved, to be done.

The timing is also appropriate, given that things out there in the real world have become tougher and tougher in recent times.

Tough to find work and tough to pay bills.

Tough to plan for Christmas and tough to find funding to ensure people who need it get support.

There is no bottomless pot of cash from which voluntary, non-profit community organisations can feed.

That's where the community comes in.

I've seen it for the past 25 or so years when the annual Christmas Cheer Appeal, which is embraced by Hawke's Bay Today, comes around.

And I've seen it (and have on several occasions taken part) every November for the same length of time when the Twin City Toy Run takes place.

Motorcyclists love a good ride, and clearly love to pitch in and do their bit for the community.

They buy a toy and embark on a Sunday sunshine ride through the twin cities to the park-up spot at Anderson Park, where they hand the toys over. Hundreds of them.

The good folk of Birthright Hawke's Bay then ensure they will brighten the lives of children who live in tough situations on Christmas Day.

There are struggles of a different kind for young people who find themselves confronted by the insidious intrusion of cancer.

In the course of my reporting role I have met young people who have battled it, or who have lost a brother or sister to it.

It's tough to comprehend but the toughness of these kids is what gets you.

Having that vile thing intrude on an otherwise fresh young life is not fair but they rally these kids and, through their combined support for each other, there is strength.

Tomorrow, in another show of community support, the Mitre 10 Mega Walk will take place to raise funds for CanTeen in the Bay. The walk is to support the young people and fund activities for them.

For the past four years, many thousands of feet have walked the pavements of the Bay to raise thousands of dollars.

Acknowledging and supporting these sort of events shows the power of people. People who care and want to make a difference to the lives of others whom they don't even know.

It's good stuff. Riders, walkers and runners ... have a great Sunday.