Tina Aloua is hoping to better last year's response to the Christmas in a Shoebox project. Photo / Supplied
Tina Aloua is hoping to better last year's response to the Christmas in a Shoebox project. Photo / Supplied
Christmas in a Shoebox Tina Aloua is helping children enjoy their Christmas with presents that she has organised for the second year in a row.
Aloua started this fundraising project after seeing something similar in Whangārei and knew there was a need in Dargaville. The concept of the project is that people contribute a shoebox filled with gifts for a particular aged child and this is gifted out to children who are signed up.
If people are unable to wrap or need it picked up, or can only donate time, Aloua is grateful for all offers of help.
Last year, they handed out 286 gifts to families and donated a further 10 to local charities.
"I am very proud of my community, Dargaville is really loving and caring," she said. Without them she recognises that the event would not have been so successful as she had a huge response, with gifts and time and donations contributed.
Aloua is hoping that they can achieve the same or a better outcome this year.
"Connect", a Christian youth conference, is being held tonight and tomorrow at the Riverside Christian Centre.
The event has come about as a result of churches in Dargaville working collaboratively for more than 15 years with Zeal, an organisation established to meet the needs of young people.
Chris Fulop, one of three pastoral senior leaders for Zeal, said the group would usually have to travel to Auckland and beyond to attend conferences like this but the leadership team "felt motivated to get something happening in Northland".
Several pastors will be sharing their "hugely inspirational messages" and the Zeal worship band, games and giveaways will all be happening over the two-day event.
"The response has been great, with people coming from all over."
Although it is aimed at teenagers aged 13 years and over, younger children are welcome provided they are accompanied by an appropriate adult.
To attend contact Fulop at chrisfulop.nz@gmail.com or call 021 717 123. There are no costs but koha is appreciated if you wish to stay the night "marae style".
Bikes and cars help raise funds for Prostate Foundation More than $900 has been raised at a local event for prostate cancer, after a successful pink ribbon event earlier in the year.
Some of the classic cars which assembled at Dargaville Hospital last Friday to help raise funds for the Prostate and Testicular Cancer Foundation NZ. Photo / Supplied
Last Friday, about 60 people attended a fundraiser at the Dargaville Hospital and were able to enjoy numerous bikes and classic cars that were on show whilst having the opportunity to win one of the raffles and spot prizes.
Rachel Beech wanted the event to raise money and awareness about prostate cancer but also hoped to show there is much more to a hospital "than coming only when you are sick".
"We wanted to be proactive for our community and, whilst planning this event, I have been approached by many families who have been affected by it, telling me stories of early detection which lead to good outcomes and other families telling me of the struggles they went through."
Donations can still be made via the website link and will go towards Prostate & Testicular Cancer Foundation NZ. Strong interest in Anzac Theatre short film competition The Anzac Theatre has received more than 20 entries for its fourth Northland Short Film Competition. All finalists' movies will be shown at the cinema on the big screen on Sunday, October 28, and the winners will be announced afterwards.
Dargaville's Anzac Theatre will be screening all finalists' movies in its fourth Northland Short Film competition on Sunday, October 28. The winners will be announced afterwards. Photo / Supplied
This year's judges are Cherry Waldron, Steve Thrupp, Kimberley Waugh and David Mitchell. Each film will be assessed on a variety of criteria including cinematography, technical ability, originality and continuity/theme. Prizes will be presented by Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith.
Eryn Wilson-Collins, spokeswoman for The Anzac Theatre, described some of the previous entries.
"Last year we had some thrillers, and a very thought-provoking film around online bullying."
The topics vary widely but "we are grateful to be able to offer the opportunity to local youth and hope the competition runs for many years to come".
Settlers Day 'treasure' shared The Kauri Museum at Matakohe in the Kaipara District held its annual Settlers Day on Saturday, October 6. The theme this year was the "revolution of industry".
Dr Tracey Wedge, collection manager/curator of the museum, said the day was a huge success enjoyed by the visitors, volunteers and staff.
"We had over 1500 people visit and the place was humming.
"The smiles and laughter on the day said it all. The fact that people were able to make things and take them home (ropes, posters, bricks, tussie mussies, etc.) energised the children and those young at heart.
"Settlers Day is the one day of the year when we throw open the doors of the museum to everyone. It is our one free live day.
"Conceived in 1997, Settlers Day is a day when we thank our community for their support by celebrating and sharing the treasure that is our museum."
Kids at the tool workshop, run by builder Adam Stevens. The children compared old and new technology such as battery powered tools and hand powered tools. Photos / supplied by Kauri Museum
Ian Powell, Mr Bonham and Kerry Bonham on one of the demonstrations.
A church service in the Pioneer Church, Matakohe started the Settlers Day event.
The band "Time to Time" - Joan Brown, Stewart Stevenson and Linda Litt - played throughout the day on Settlers Day.
The cobbler's table, presented by Paul Peters, who demonstrated the art of shoe making to visitors on Settlers Day.
Nick Tetzner and Paul Leonard (chainsaw collector) looking at a number of Paul's chainsaws used on the day to demonstrate wood cutting. Photos / supplied by Kauri Museum
Email editor@northernadvocate.co.nz if you have news to share from the Kaipara District with Northern Advocate readers.
