Pupils dress up to bring sick kids joy

WISHES: Ronan Chester, 5, (left) Jessica Nichols, 8, Savannah Morrison, 9, and Pouakai Jackson-Williams, 9, dressed up as what they wished to be for the Make-A-Wish event. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Kawaha Point School students dressed up in an array of outfits yesterday, portraying who they wanted to be when they grew up.

The nationwide "I Wish I Was Day", involves children and adults dressing up as who they wish to be, and donating a $2 coin for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Year 5 and 6 teacher Tracey Gray said the school councillors, who she worked with, had been quite keen on supporting this day.

"I think they like the charity because it particularly helps kids and their families."

She said the councillors helped to promote the mufti day in the school, going around the classrooms and talking about it.

"It's important to support because it brings a bit of sunshine to families going through a really tough time."

Teachers were also dressed up and the children adored the day, she said.

Eight-year-old Jessica Nichols said it was important to support Make-A-Wish because it was for kids who were sick.

She said she wanted to be a cheerleader when she turned 9 because it was something fun to do.

Pouakai Jackson-Williams, 9, said he wanted to be an All Black.

"I've always dreamed of playing rugby and want to represent our country in some way."

Other Rotorua schools which took part included Kaharoa School, Ngongotaha Primary School and Kaitao Middle School.

The money raised goes towards helping the foundation grant more wishes, and the event is looking to help grant another 20 sick children's wishes this year.

Last year, there were about 20,000 New Zealanders who got dressed up and this year had seen that number double.