“IT COSTS NOTHING TO GIVE” – THE WAITAKI SPIRIT IS ALIVE AND WELL

It’s not hard to feel a sense of resposibility when our neighbouring communities experience a natural disaster. But it takes a special kind of spirt that sparks action and motivates others to do the same.

Just last Wednesday, an idea was formed and quickly gained momentum faster than anyone expected. It involved a van full of Waitaki Boys students, set to head north to throw themselves into the North Canterbury District for some much welcomed disaster relief. It was a huge success, given more boys voluteered than could be accommodated.

“We were ready to take action – having already established a clear vision and a set of values for Don House to forge us ahead and develop our students within their community” says Dan Keno - Director of Boarding for Don House at Waitaki Boys High School. “Don House is the heart of Waitaki Boys High School. We aim to develop young men into educated, all round citizens of outstanding character.”

All it took to ignite the spirit of the wider Waitaki Community was a simple post on Facebook requesting donations of food and helpful items that businesses and individuals were able to spare. What happened over the following two days was an incredible display of support and generosity from the people of North Otago.

Waitaki Valley & Weston Schools contributed immensely as did various businesses – Breens, McDonalds, Pearson’s, Whitestone Cheese, Cucina, OLT & Oamaru Honda. There were also countless amazing contributions from numerous individuals – there’s absolutely no doubt that the community spirit and belief in a worthwhile cause is alive and well.

Motivated to empower the Don House students, Dan Keno wanted the boys to make a heartfelt contribution to this effort, as well as learn a key lesson: It costs nothing to give. Not to mention the countless valuable lessons that returned home with them – the appreciation of the comforts they all have within their own community.

The experience has taught the boys compassion and empathy – values that are not normally associated with a boys school, but they are values that will enable these young men to create social and emotional connections that will hold them in good stead going forward.

This is just one example of what students at the Don House is doing to 'take the classroom to the streets’ to learn valuable life lessons through real-world experiences. And there’s nothing more confronting than rolling up your sleeves in the midst of a natural disaster, helping you fellow man through some hard times. Whilst hopefully inspiring others to do the same.

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