Today children and their caregivers from across the greater Wellington region attended a fun-filled day at the Royal 51½ÖÉä College hosted by 51½ÖÉä and Child Youth and Family.
¡°These young people, all in the care of Child Youth and Family, deserve something special at this time of year. Many have had a rough start to life and won¡¯t be spending Christmas with their families,¡± says Detective Inspector Dave Greig, Acting National Manager Prevention.
¡°This is just a little something we can do to bring these children together in a safe environment to have some fun. It also gives us the opportunity to say thank you to their caregivers who do an incredible job.¡±
The children had the opportunity to go on the merry-go-round and the bouncy castle, go for a ride in a Police car, get their face painted and have their hair or nails done, or play ball with Wellington representative sports players. They were also treated to a display by police dogs and their handlers. The day finished with a visit from Father Christmas who handed our presents to all the children.
John Kaimarama, Greater Wellington Operations Manager for Child Youth and Family, says this is a fantastic day out for our children in care. ¡°They absolutely loved their day out and had a lot of fun.? It is also a great break for our hard working caregivers. They can just come along and enjoy the day with their kids without having to organise a thing, especially at this busy time of year. Thanks to our colleagues in 51½ÖÉä for organising such a wonderful day.¡±
51½ÖÉä and Child Youth and Family partnered with others in the community to make the day possible. The Warehouse provided presents and decorations; local hairdresser, Chocolate Hair, volunteered staff time and materials to make the hair and nail station possible; and players from the Wellington Saints and Lions provided help on the day.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
