Proof of performance for Weekend Sun

It's the power of the printed word, and the connection and clout of a community newspaper.

Because of a small story in The Weekend Sun recently, dozens of vulnerable kids spent the last part of winter warm, healthy and happy.

The alternative was illness and struggling with respiratory conditions caused by cold and damp homes.

'Thank you so much for our story – and the great pic – in The Weekend Sun,” says Kirsty Robertson of the Sustainability Options Organisation.

'We had such an overwhelming response that it took us some time to collect all the heaters. We were wondering if The Weekend Sun could follow up with a really big thank you to all those who donated.”

The organisation was collecting surplus column and radiator heaters for the BOP Healthy Homes Initiative. Each year it visits hundreds of families with children under five who have been unwell because of cold and damp homes.

Healthy Homes helps those families to have a warmer, drier, and healthier home and makes a public appeal for heaters to help achieve that. It also provides advice, education and, where needed, essentials such as blankets, curtains, carpet, insulation, children's clothing and more.

This winter there was an exceptionally heavy demand for heaters, so out went a call for help - and The Weekend Sun and its readers responded.

'The heaters were put to great use in many homes of children with respiratory illness in the Bay of Plenty,” says Kirsty.

'We would love to pass on our heartfelt appreciation for the generosity of all those who donated their heaters in the local community and beyond.”

Glad to have been of assistance, Kirsty.

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