Starting the Day Right.

It is well established that children find it hard to learn when they’re hungry. That’s what led to the setting up of The Breakfast Club in Martinborough. Every weekday morning a team of volunteers prepares and serves a healthy breakfast to between 10-12 children before they head to school.
The breakfasts are provided free to the children, thanks to generous business and private sponsorship. Donations of suitable breakfast staples are always welcome as well.

One of the children’s most popular food choices is porridge so a big pot has to be cooked every day, summer and winter. “Making it’s my job and the boys really like having a man around”, says volunteer Peter Croft.
Sometimes there’s even cake for breakfast, with each child’s birthday recognised and celebrated. Perhaps that’s why some of the youngsters have been coming along every morning since the club began six years ago!
Rita Hiha has been helping at the Breakfast Club since it began too. She used to bring her own mokopuna . Now she helps other youngsters. “ I love seeing the kids enjoying themselves. We have some great conversations with them, working out who’s who – their whakapapa. I really like seeing young and old coming together.”
Coordinator Anne Firmin says the Breakfast Club could not function without volunteers like Rita. “They help the children in ways that go way beyond just just serving food, even though that’s very important. They also help build the children’s self esteem and teach them useful skills for life. It’s a very rewarding experience.”
The club is looking for additional volunteers as some of the regulars won’t be available over the winter. “If you would like to get involved, or learn more about the programme, please call me”, says Anne.
Phone: 306 9995 Email: montfirmin@xtra.co.nz
The Breakfast Club is held at St Andrews Church 41? Dublin Street at 8am every weekday. It is non-denominational, so you do not need to belong to any church or have a religious affilitions to become a volunteer.
Chris Cassels