Fundraising child's play

FIONA GOODALL/East & Bays Courier

TUNNEL VISION: Victoria Avenue School room 8 students, from left: Krisna Ardana, Hope Merwood and Nicholas Scarborough, all 6, are among the juniors making the most of their new playground.

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The new junior playground is a huge hit among pupils at Victoria Avenue School.

A colourful playground and sandpit welcomed the youngsters back to school after the summer holidays.

The addition means the junior and middle school pupils no longer have to rotate their playground rights with a day on, day off system.

Year 2 teacher Kylie White says the junior playground is "packed" at morning tea and lunchtime.

"The fireman’s pole is quite a hit," she says.

Parent Teacher Association chairwoman Debbie Clasper says some successful fundraising ventures last year contributed to the $30,000 project.

"We had an auction night and received donations from a lot of the parents and the Remuera community and businesses," she says.

"That night alone raised more than half what we needed for the whole year."

Sausage sizzles, selling chocolate and a spell-a-thon, which itself raised more than $10,000, also helped.

"It’s a really easy community to raise money in," Mrs Clasper says.

"Everyone’s really generous – it’s almost like they’re standing out on the street with their hands out ready to donate."

The Lion Foundation also made a significant donation.

- © Fairfax NZ News