Editorial: Generosity deserves our praise

Kiri and Kevin Swannell in Taradale, Napier, with the Givealittle page for charity Limitless Hope. Photo / Duncan Brown

When I suggested to the editor that we do something to help the Swannells reach their target of $65,000 on their Givealittle page so they could open a shelter for the homeless, he took the idea with both hands and flew with it.

A logo was designed, story written and the Limitless Hope Emergency Shelter Appeal was launched.

Yesterday the generosity of Property Brokers, who have also donated a house, pushed them over the line. Good for them.

However, those who deserve the most praise, apart from the Swannells themselves, are the wonderful generous people of Hawke's Bay who donated anything from $5 upwards.

For without these people the cheque of $5000 from Property Brokers would be worth nothing.

This appeal grew into a community project that everyone involved can be proud of.

Kiri and Kevin Swannell are an amazing and inspirational couple.

They have worked tirelessly for the past three years, fundraising and serving soup to the homeless on winter nights.

Reaching their monetary target is the beginning of another journey for the couple and their family.

Yesterday the couple were overwhelmed and thanked the community for its support.

They can be proud of their effort.

The pair will continue to fundraise but have yet to find land to move the house to.

For the Swannells this is just one more hurdle that I'm sure they will jump.