Support grows for kids' Ohakune Xmas holiday

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 613, 21 November 1995, Page 3

Support grows for kids' Ohakune Xmas holiday

Community support is growing as Winning Waimarino' s Christmas Holiday in Ohakune draws nearer, reports project leader Jarrod Coburn. Winning Waimarino has organised for 25 child-cancer victims and their families to come to the Waimarino area for three days, 16-18 of December. After the families arrive on the Saturday and freshen up at their motels (supplied free by the motelier' s group), they will be formaily welcomed by Tangata Whenua, residents and dignitaries. On Sunday, a convoy of trucks and large vehicles will take the youngsters to Raetihi, then to a special Christmas Grotto at the Ruapehu Homestead, who areundertakinga 'Christmas-house' project toraisemoney for St Johns Church Restoration Trust. After meeting Santa, the kids will have lunch at Turoa Lodge, while the families and invited guests travel to Waiouru Army Museum for lunch and a special tour. Activities have been organised at Miro Park and include

Yeti Tours' canoes, Beth's Llama Tours' llamas and petting zoo, Ruapehu Homestead' s horses and carriage and scenic flights, courtesy of Ian Heappey. Jarrod said it should be a very well publicised event, with both television networks expected along with a host of celebrities and dignitaries. "We are at the stage now that we can make approaches to the big media organisations and say 'Come to Ruapehu district, see the Waimarino and what it has got to offer and tell the whole country about us"\ said Jarrod. He said a number of organisations in the district have offered their support, in particular the council' s marketing manager, Bruce Rollinson, Turoa Ski Resort, Waiouru Army Museum, Powderhorn Chateau, Lions, Ohakune/ Raetihi retailers, Scouts and many others. Peach Cornwall and Partners have offered the use of an office next to the BNZ "a very affordable rental". He said this was now the "nerve centre" of the operation.