Pride of NZ: Gardener passes on vital skills

Avis Leeson.

Avis Leeson - Community Spirit

When Hamilton woman Avis Leeson heard of the levels of child hunger in New Zealand, she decided to try to do something about it.

But Ms Leeson, who has been nominated in the community spirit category for the Pride of New Zealand Awards, was suffering herself when she had the idea.

It was eight years when ago Ms Leeson, now aged 85, had scratched her leg on a rusty nail which caused blood poisoning.

"After I had a life-threatening attack from blood poisoning, I felt I needed to do something to give back and make life a little easier for someone else."

While she was recovering she read there were approximately 270,000 children living in starvation within New Zealand. "I thought somebody needs to do something about it."

Ms Leeson, a keen gardener, said she believed education was the answer and began helping Morrinsville schools to develop children's food gardens.

It was so successful, she started going around Hamilton schools, and has become involved with 85 schools.

Ms Leeson has now started organising the planting of fruit trees at schools throughout Hamilton.

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