Rutherford College students give back to the community

Presents galore: Tika Maranga Women's Refuge volunteer Linda Johnson with Rutherford College 15-year-old students Zak Edgar, Shea Pike and Jade Winter. Photo: Rani Timoti

By Rani Timoti

Twelve teenagers from Rutherford College are helping make Christmas a little brighter for those less fortunate than themselves.

They've raised $1000 to buy gifts for the children of mothers who've passed through the Tika Maranga Women's Refuge this year.

The students have bought 50 presents to be distributed soon.

"We really hope they like them. We had a great time putting them together," they say.

The pupils are involved in a Project K programme designed to maximise youth potential.

They participate in a three-week wilderness adventure and take part in community challenge to give something back to the area they come from.

All have personal mentors to help them achieve their goals.

"It's the first time we've been involved with Rutherford College and these students are doing really well," Project K Team Leader Jackie King says.

The 14 and 15-year-olds are referred by the school and must have the support of their parents/guardians to complete the programme.

Project K was developed by New Zealand mountaineer and adventurer Graeme Dingle and Jo-Anne Wilkinson.

Western Leader