On 16-17 March, we enjoyed lots of community engagement. The Birkenhead repair café attracted just over 70 items for repair. Not all could be fixed, but people received advice on how to repair or dispose of their items. Of course, there many very successful fixes, including to the cutest little ornament of a photographer using an old-fashioned camera. How had it been broken? Indoors, by a soft snowball. So many stories shared on the day! A superb turn out by our generous volunteers included Bike Kaipātiki, general repairers, jewellery and sewing fixers, the CAB, church members who made and served morning tea, and others who ran the popular crafts table. Highbury Community House co-hosted with us again and shared info on its Foodtogether pop-up each week. Donations for morning tea raised $86.10 for De Paul House. Kia ora – thanks to everyone who came along.
Then on to the community breakfast on Sunday morning. We shared views and updates over breakfast, and welcomed guests who included locals, someone visiting from the UK and a person who had been at the repair café the day before. In fact, the guest from the UK – Elizabeth – joined our movie fundraiser on Sunday evening. We filled the cinema to watch The Great Escaper together. Funds raised go to parish activities plus we are donating 10% of our profit to De Paul House. Also, church members paid for four seats that were donated to repair café volunteers. Thanks to everyone far and wide who supported our movie night and who has signed up to hear about our social times.
