04 March 2025

Honouring the Heart and Energy of Two Cherished Long-Term Volunteers at Merivale School

At KickStart Breakfast, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the dedication and compassion of our long-serving volunteers, who make a significant difference in the lives of countless children and school communities.

Merivale School, Tauranga is one shining example, where the unwavering support of volunteers Sandy Gilligan and Bev Joblin has brought warmth, nourishment, and joy to so many students over the years.

We were thrilled to see them acknowledged in a recent NZ Herald article. Sharing how both Sandy and Bev were honoured by the school as part of our KickStart Breakfast programme’s 15-year celebrations. We love that the school chose this moment to pay tribute to their unsung heroes who bring the special magic to their breakfast club every day.

Merivale School's deputy principal, Heather Langley, captures the essence of the school's longest-serving KickStart Breakfast programme volunteers, Sandy and Bev, stating that they “just ooze care and aroha” for the tamariki at breakfast club each time they’re there.

Sandy, aged 81, has been an enduring presence at the school breakfast club for an impressive 24 years. Her connection with the children is heartfelt, as she ensures they start their day with full tummies, ready to excel in the classroom. Bev, at 87 years old, has contributed nearly four years to the KickStart Breakfast programme.

Sandy shares that she sees the KickStart Breakfast programme as about more than just providing a meal.

"It is an opportunity to develop meaningful social connections and essential life skills."

Sandy emphasises the importance of personal contact with each child, cherishing the special moments when children's faces light up as she remembers their names and engages in their small yet precious life updates.

We're incredibly grateful for all our KickStart Breakfast volunteers across the motu. We know many of our programmes are not possible without your unwavering support and this does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do to support our school communities.

Looking for Ways to Celebrate Your KickStart Breakfast Volunteers?

  • Personalised Thank You Notes: Invite students to express their thanks and appreciate to your volunteers. Using writing prompts such as these can be really helpful:
    • What is your favourite memory with the volunteer?
    • Describe a time when the volunteer made you smile or feel special.
    • What difference does coming to breakfast club make for you?
  • Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast: The wider school community and student leaders could work together to treat the volunteers to a special breakfast, giving them the morning off from serving others.
  • Community Recognition: Nominate volunteers for community awards or recognitions or host a special event and use our volunteer certificate to acknowledge the wonderful people who support your breakfast club.

Get in touch with our team if your school has found a special way to celebrate your KickStart Breakfast volunteers! Share your ideas and tell us about your wonderful volunteers by dropping our team a line: kickstart.breakfast@fonterra.com