A winning Waimarino Christmas for guest children

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 617, 19 December 1995, Page 1

A winning Waimarino Christmas for guest children

Aheart-warming holiday for both the guests and the givers was the result of the efforts of a group of Waimarino people on the weekend. Christmas Holiday 1995 was an event put together by the Winning Waimarino team. They organised to bring families here who have children suffering from serious illness. Children from the Cancer Society of the Wanganui region and the Crippled Children Society from Auckland and their families took up the invitation. After arriving by train on Saturday, an actioned-packed Sunday kicked off with a convoy of Waimarino vehicles taking the guests on a joy ride to Raetihi. Their trip

included a quick visit to Bully Chambers' farm. TV3 news presenterNeil Waakacame along for the ride. Later, the group was taken to the Christmas house, at the Ruapehu Homestead where, to the delight of the children, Santa waited to surprise the children when they poked their heads around the corners. There were lots of tears of joy, laughter, giggles, shyness, "ooohs and aaahas". Television personalities were also around to join in the fun including Petra Bagust, Nathan Rariri and Jon Bridges from the TV3 show Ice TV. The children quickly recognised their TV idols. They played with the animals at the TURNTOPAGE2

A winning Waimarino Christmas holiday

FROMPAGEl Homestead, getting autographs and photos. Some had a ride on the horse and carriage with owner Don Allomes in control. Other activities included a visit to Turoa Lodge for lunch and some fun times on the game machines. Another highlight was a visit to the Waiouru Army

Museum, which included rides on a gun carrier. Roger MacLay, minister for youth affairs, camp Commander Colonel Seymour were present. The Powderkeg put on a barbecue with a lamb on a spit and Santa called again with more presents, much to the thrill of the children. "Absolutely over-

whelming, whose paying for all of this?" and "We' ve never had such a holiday"; "such a lot of fuss made over us as a family"; "We can't believe it, its such a great break a rest away" were just some of the

comments from parents. Many of the truck drivers who gave up their time for the convoy were also grateful to be involved, even thought they were among the ones giving. "The kids were just great

— makes a man feel pretty humble really," said one truckie. "The kids don't seem to have any hang up about their situation, talk about take things in their stride, not a problem," said another.