Care for tamariki at heart

• Published date: 26 January 2023
• Publication title: Te Awamutu Courier

“The idea was to support children and their mothers in various ways from birth and through childhood,” says Robyn Atherton from Altrusa International of Te Awamutu

“We already had a project running where we deliver good-quality second-hand books to Women’s Refuge and Loving Arms, among others, so this is an extension of that. We just thought there was more that we could do to support mothers and children.”

She adds that “one facet on its own may have been enough, but it is nice to do more things that involve all of our members throughout the process”.

The annual Altrusa Home and Garden Ramble provided some of the funds, but as this is an expensive project, the club was fortunate to receive a grant from Altrusa Foundation in the United States.

“All babies that were born at the Te Awamutu Birthing unit were given a new book written by local authors. The authors who provided discounted books were Rachel Numan, Kat Quinn and Deb Hinde. About 415 books have been distributed to...