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Latest News
| Purple Heart Foundation |
04/05/2010 |
Why Purple Heart?
It is known as the "Badge of Military Merit" and also the Purple Heart is the last Bead a child is given as part of the Beads of Courage program when they have finished their treatment for cancer.
So to me the name is very fitting as the courage shown by many should inspire us to help.
Last June, our daughter Claudia was diagnosed with cancer. Over the last few months, we have watched our beautiful, tough and tenacious four-year-old battle her way through the removal of a kidney, chemotherapy, radiation, blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds with a real steely determination.
It has been a hard journey for us all, for Claudia foremost, for her mother Carolyn, her sister Charlotte, both our families, friends and work colleagues. The only way for all of us to get through this has been one day at a time.
This eye opening and life changing experience is one I would never wish on anyone else. We have however been blessed with support from family and friends which has made this year a lot easier and without their help we would not have been able to continue with a normal life for Charlotte and continued to keep everything as normal as possible in our home and work life. It has really been amazing how giving people are with their time and genuine thoughts and trying to find ways to help.
This experience has made me realise that I have lived a very privileged life and feel I now know I want to give something back. I have started this website in the hope that each year we can raise some money for a charity and help others to live their dream of having a normal life. This year I wanted to help a charity that was for children and where pretty much all of the money raised will go towards helping children who are living with cancer to have some fun.
I have been involved in sport in some way or another all my life so was looking for something that had a recreational theme and was for children. So when I came across Geoff Barnett from the Auckland/Northland region of Camp Quality I was sold.
In the last year the Purple Heart Foundation has raised:
The Prize Draw - $15,000.00
Jims 320km Challenge - $ 5,006.00
The 100K Purple Heart Challenge - $40,000.00
Golf Day - $24,065.00
Other Fundraising Efforts - $ 6,000.00
TOTAL - $90,071.00
Visit www.purpleheart.net.nz for further information.
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| Mark Little - Oct 2009 |
| Auckland/Northland Region Junior Mini Camp |
10/08/2010 |
2 - 4 July Peter Snell Youth Village, Whangaparaoa
Pirate Theme
Our Juniors became fearsome pirates for the weekend with swords, patches, parrots, earrings and "Arrhs" in abundance. The first day was spent making pirate costumes and banners before conquering the adventure course, absailing and target practice with air rifles. Later in the day we made bivouacs – shelter after the ship wreck - before dinner and a treasure hunt theme Burma Trail, where everyone found the lost gold treasure. On the Sunday, we cooked pikelets on hobo stoves, then the rain forced us indoors where we had team challenges followed by a “pirate fashion parade before heading back to Auckland |
| CQ Auckland/Northland |
| Auckland/Northland Region Senior Mini Camp |
10/08/2010 |
15 - 18 July Christian Youth Camp, Ngaruawahia
The first day was spent in the dark Black Water Rafting, at Waitomo Caves with "The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company,” amazing people who gave us a great day. Plenty of water and just as much fun. Back to camp to recuperate for the next days activities on camp; BMX bikes, mini-golf, archery, flying fox and confidence course. The weather was variable but the program went on regardless. In the evening the Campers had great fun paint-balling the Companions before we all moved indoors to watch the All Blacks thrash the South Africans, while a few of the Ladies spent a relaxing evening in the large spa pool this camp has. An early start the next day brought us back to Auckland where we had a “Grand Prix experience” at Formula E (electric go carts), 160 Laps of fast and furious fun, followed by lunch and ice cream, (all provided by the wonderful people at Formula E) before the campers were picked up by their families. |
| CQ Auckland/Northland |
| Outward Bound Scholarships |
16/07/2010 |
In January Outward Bound offered Camp Quality scholarship places on two Discovery Courses. It became very clear that Outward Bound and Camp Quality had the potential to work perfectly for each other. Outward Bound’s aim is to build relationships with community organisations whose mission aligns with that of Outward Bound and to support them in helping their community. Outward Bound’s mission being “better people, better communities, better world.”
Adventure and discovery on Outward Bound (by Bec Whiting)
I recently had the opportunity to attend an eight-day Discovery Course with Outward Bound (thanks to Camp Quality and the Outward Bound Trust). It was a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself both mentally and physically. As well as an opportunity to reflect and decide on what is important to me and what I want to achieve.
Outward Bound has been running courses at Anakiwa (near Picton) since 1962. Their courses are about personal and social development through learning in the outdoors.
I met some wonderful people. I challenged myself. I supported others to achieve more than they thought they could. I learnt a lot about myself and learnt some lessons I will take with me beyond Outward Bound. It was a wonderful experience and it is difficult to fully explain. In a way, my journey is only just beginning.
Thank you to Camp Quality and the Outward Bound Trust for offering me (and Jeremy from Christchurch) this experience. I think it has given us self-awareness and skills that we will be able to put to good use in the future with Camp Quality.
'We are all better than we know. If only we can come to discover this, we may never again settle for anything less'. (Kurt Hahn, Outward Bound founder)
Hi, my name is Jeremy; I’ve been involved in Camp Quality for a number of years now. I had the opportunity to go on an Outward Bound Discovery Course back in May. Wow. It was incredible, I never even knew I had it in me, and fully believed it was only for young people. Well I am young at heart and need to be challenged out of my comfy life. So I did it, Camp Quality offered me the opportunity and I took it. You really need to take a chance and give it a go. Ralph Waldo Emerson said “What lies beneath us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us”. Push your boundaries, get free from yourself, jump into the unknown. There is no better way than through Outward Bound.
Take the challenge, I dare you.
Jeremy Adams
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| World Rally Champions help Andrew Simms European raise thousands of dollars for Camp Quality NZ |
10/05/2010 |
Over $17,000 was raised for children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality, last week when international rally drivers attended an exclusive event at Andrew Simms European to celebrate the New Zealand arrival of the 2010 World Rally Championship (WRC).
The French themed ticket only event featured a live interview by Brian Kelly with six times world rally champion Sébastien Loeb and Spanish rally driver, Danni Sordo. Albert Llovera, the only paraplegic in the WRC, also attended and was interviewed live on stage. Andrew Simms Mitsubishi’s own rally team was also present & Chris was interviewed on stage.
A range of autographed rally memorabilia was auctioned including Red Bull model Citroen rally cars and special edition Citroen WRC team t-shirts, autographed by Sébastien Loeb. One of the highest bids of the night was for a day with the Andrew Simms Mitsubishi rally team, which went for $1200.
Andrew Simms says: `The event was a great success. It was an honour to be able to host some of the greatest rally drivers of our time, and to share that experience with our guests. I am also very proud of the efforts that went into raising an impressive donation for children’s charity, Camp Quality. It is fantastic to know that we have been able to support a really good cause as well as celebrating the WRC in New Zealand.’
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| By Andrew Simms European |
| Payroll Giving - a way for you to help Camp Quality NZ |
21/04/2010 |
IRD's rules around donations have changed. Employees can now donate a portion of their pay to a worthy cause - like Camp Quality New Zealand - and get immediate tax credits in return.
This is an easy way for employees to help us in our work and get recognition for their generosity and kindness in very tangible way, through reduced tax. For every dollar they donate they'll receive a third back as a tax credit in the same pay period.
Under this regime employees no longer need to wait to the end of the tax year to get their tax benefits.
For more detailed information visit:
http://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax-individual/tax-credits/payroll-giving/
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| Postie Bike Challenge |
31/03/2010 |
The 6-day challenge, which started in the far North on Friday, March 26, saw the nine riders cover 1,600km down the west coast of the North Island (SH3), at about 70 km/ph, with special stages along the way. They rode Honda CT110 bikes, the type formerly used for postal deliveries in rural Australia and New Zealand.
The Friday saw the riders’ race along 90 mile beach before reaching Kaitaia around mid-day where they stopped at a local Blue Wing Honda dealership for lunch, some photos and to rally for donations. They then headed on to Hokianga, finishing the first stage at Opononi.
On Saturday they continued south through Waipoua Forest to Dargaville, stopping at the Kauri Museum at Matakohe for lunch, and then riding on to Warkworth where they spent the night.
After a mid-day stop in Manukau on Sunday (March 28) the riders headed for Hampton Downs where they had been invited to be part of the fifth and final round of the 2010 Castrol Power 1 New Zealand Road Race Championships. During their stay the motorcycle enthusiasts had the chance to do a hot lap on the Postie Bikes.
After an over-night stay at Waingaro Hot Springs the adventurers headed to Honda Otorohanga on Monday, March 29 for lunch and then passed through Te Kuiti en route to New Plymouth and Palmerston North before finishing in Wellington on May 31.
Thank you to Glenn Groves who made this idea a reality and invited Camp Quality along for the ride.
Thanks also to Blue Wing Honda and our Camp Quality volunteers who assisted with support for the Challenge at the different stages along the way.
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| Wellington/Central Districts 25th Celebration |
27/03/2010 |
Wellington/Central Districts celebrated the Camp Quality 25th Anniversary with their own very special "mini camp" day recently.
See the full story on our 25th Celebrations page |
| Auckland/Northland - Camp Quality 25th Anniversary - John Andrew Mazda – Charity Black Tie Dinner & Auction |
25/03/2010 |
See the full story on our 25th Celebration page |
| Auckland/Northland region January 2010 Camp news |
24/03/2010 |
The venue for this year’s summer camp was Wesley College, Paerata 16th – 23rd January. This was a week later than normal owing to Pukekohe race track being pre booked. This “Family Day” being the start of camp, was once again a huge success thanks to Nigel Karl and his team of helpers from “Kids in Cars” who organised the day and to the Lions Clubs that support us each year. Although there were fewer trucks, owing to being a Saturday, there were plenty of big rigs for rides and on show. We were entertained at lunchtime by “Racing” Ray Williams and Shane Van Gisbergen racing E carts plus three Harvard’s from the War Birds swooping in giving a fifteen minute air show. This Family Day has become a highlight on our Camp Quality Calendar.
On Tuesday night we had a very formal “25th Anniversary Black Tie Dinner” with tables dressed and a formal entrance where all were announced on arrival. Our guest for the evening was Dr Jane Skeen – Specialist Medical Officer, Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and her husband who stayed on after dinner to be entertained by the “Brown Leathers”.
The theme for Thursday night this year was Heroes. It is amazing the costumes that appear on these nights. Music as always was provided by the Police DJ Lenny Johnstone.
We are so appreciative of the willingness of the 202K Lions Club members, Freemasons and Lodge members and their wives, 234 signing in for kitchen duties.
The seven day program was completed with only the Thursday and Friday morning program being slightly altered, moving indoors owing to rain.
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| John Green, Regional Manager |
| Waikato/BOP region January 2010 Camp news |
24/03/2010 |
The start of 25 years of Camp Quality celebrations began for our region with our Summer Camp held at St Peter’s Collegiate near Cambridge.
We had a total of 50 campers from over the Waikato/BOP Region and extended a warm welcome to five from the Gisborne area. With staff and companions already primed with the theme for “Silver Camp” it was set to be a camp with a combination of tried and tested electives and activities which were new ideas for our region. This was the first time that we had separate Senior and Junior activities and it proved to be worthwhile.
Our camp began with an afternoon of games for team building and ended with our Thursday evening concert night as being proof that we do get it right. From the roar of motorbikes and classic cars, to ten pin bowling, kayaking and having wheelchair athletes come to share their skills, the activities offered something for everyone.
Camp Quality Ambassador Stacey Jones and his family were a welcome addition to the camp for the Thursday afternoon, and it was a pity that we couldn’t have them to stay for our Concert night.
Concert night was a night of fun and hilarity tinged with sadness as we bade farewell to three long time campers. It was also a moment of extreme pride as Life Membership was awarded to two of our fabulous nurses, Ellyn Dean and Jolene Proffit.
The evening featured a diverse range of silver themed costumes which campers and companions alike had obviously worked hard on. They looked particularly effective under the laser and strobe lighting as everyone partied well into the night
The support given by local Lion’s and Freemasons in the kitchen area was very much appreciated by all.
We are now preparing for our mini camp to be held in Rotorua in September, along with a 25year celebration ball to be held in Hamilton in November.
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| Fiona Hammond, Regional Manager |
| Wellington/CD region January 2010 Camp news |
24/03/2010 |
Taranaki lays it on for Camp Quality kids
For 61 Camp Quality children from the Wellington Central districts, Taranaki recently provided a summer camp like no other. Leaving memories of hospitals and treatment behind, the children came anticipating all the fun, laughter and friendships that camp is famous for.
Campers and companions arrived well prepared for their six-day stay at St Mary’s College in Stratford. Upon arrival they were greeted by a collection of staff taking part in this years’ camp theme, “Heroes and Villains”. The staff team of dedicated volunteers had spent the past twelve months preparing for this year’s camp.
The real fun began that evening as the Heliview helicopter arrived and campers and their companions thoroughly enjoyed flying over Stratford - a wonderful start to an exciting time away from home.
Ice-creams, surfing, swimming, IRB surf life-saving club boat rides, jet skis, abseiling and digging in the sand made for a great day out at Opunake beach, and after a rest, could only be topped with an exclusive fireworks display provided by Kairanga Lions.
A “top town” style sports day is a well-loved tradition, and campers and companions, dressed in their team colours, battled it out for first place. There was great rivalry but teams were also rewarded for their displays of camaraderie and good sportsmanship.
Another highlight is theme day, and the Mayor and Stratford Youth Council were well prepared for one hundred & fifty “Heroes and Villains”, providing afternoon tea, complete with a special duck race in the Stratford river.
The fun continued with rides at Fun Ho Toy Museum, making furry friends at Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park, and getting lost in the Maze Maize, and a visit to Stratford Speedway for an evening of speed, spills and thrills.
Electives are an opportunity for the campers to choose between dam dropping, plaster crafts, art, puppet making, or a trip to the local salon for hair and nails. Wheels are always a favourite, and the Mustang Club members shared their beautiful cars with lots of smiling kids, big and small. The last evening of camp would not be complete without dressing up for a night at the disco!
After packing on the final morning, campers were treated to more wheels, with motorbike rides for all. A very special balloon release and the lowering of the camp flag marked the end of another amazing year at camp.
Again the local support from individuals, businesses, and service clubs was very generous and quite simply overwhelming. The team extends sincere thanks especially to the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and their members for welcoming us into their hearts and communities, and for helping us provide such fabulous memories for our campers.
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| Tony & Helen Clifford, Regional Manager |
| Christchurch region January 2010 Camp news |
24/03/2010 |
Held in the 3rd week of January at Living Springs, at the head of Lyttelton Harbour, the Companions came into Camp on Saturday 16th and were able to prepare the bunkrooms for the arrival of their Campers the following day. After a boisterous and stormy night it was over to the Christchurch Railway station to meet the Campers and their families on a cool and damp morning.
As a first the whole group of 50 Campers, their Companions and the Committee boarded the train to be taken through the tunnel to Lyttelton – the first ride on a train for some – and then a short cruise on the harbour prior to being transported to Living Springs for lunch and settling in.
The Camp theme for 2010 was LIGHTS. CAMERA, ACTION and that is what the following week was all about, activities aplenty starting with a marshmallow roast and continuing with arts and crafts, using the Living Springs facilities – air rifle shooting, archery, monorail, flying fox, mini golf and trampoline. Also on the programme was a Fair Ground morning where we had a bouncy castle, mini jeeps, horse riding, rides on Harley Davidson’s, candy floss, ice creams and quad bike trailer rides and a day trip into the city for ice skating and rock climbing at an indoor complex, the generous people at the Airport Commodore Hotel providing a scrumptious BBQ lunch between the two activities.
Every day the swimming pool and water slide were just as popular as ever and the entertainment in the evenings ranged from dancing, films and a quiz night and as for the PARTY NIGHT the imagination of all was a joy to behold with many resorting to yesteryear in their costume choice.
The final day was spoiled a trifle by the weather, Camp spent the day at the Ferrymead Heritage Park and despite the weather all enjoyed the vintage exhibitions of machinery, houses businesses and the like, with the local Ferrymead Lions spoiling us with an excellent lunch and then afternoon tea when the parents had arrived to take their children back home.
A big THANKS to the 14 Lions Clubs in all who provided manpower to look after all of our needs for each meal, the resident Living Springs staff, particularly those in the kitchen were excellent and could not do enough to make our stay as enjoyable as it has ever been at their excellent complex.
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| Ivan Lawson, Acting Regional Manager |
| South region January 2010 Camp news |
24/03/2010 |
Once again, Camp Quality South conducted an exciting and fun filled camp at Oamaru from the 4th to the 10th of January. We had 28 children (campers) and 28 young companions to be their buddies. The program committee had excelled themselves once again and one and all had a wonderful time. Amongst the more interesting things we got up to was a visit to McRae’s gold mine, canoeing and sailing at McKerrow’s ponds, Swimming, both in the Waianakarua River and in the Oamaru aquatic centre, a visit to the newly refurbished Opera House and making soap-on-a-rope at the soap factory in Oamaru. As well as the external visits we had a full range of activities for the campers within the camp bounds, with lots of arts and crafts, indoor and out door games and entertainment of various forms for the evenings.
It would have been difficult to find a happier group of children anywhere in New Zealand when on concert night, they were given free reign to dress-up in costume and perform skits to entertain the invited guests, staff and each other. The only limitation to their skits was that they had to follow the camp theme of “Super Hero’s”. The imagination of the kids was awesome! And a superb time was had by all including two District Governors of Lions, two Vice District Governors and two past District Governors.
We had our own kitchen, kitchen staff and a wonderful team of helpers from local service groups. To this end we ate like kings and I am sure finished the week a bit heavier than we started. The food as always at camp was designed to be wholesome, tasty, nutritious, which it was but it was also well prepared and presented so that even the smaller
children enjoyed their (5 per day) rations. CQ South committee in party dress
I have never before seen so much fruit and vegetables consumed by small children. Fantastic!
Everyone on Committee for Camp Quality South attended this year’s camp which meant that we had about 20 hands-on helpers at any one time. This was hugely beneficial as it meant that laundry, room cleaning, and general house cleaning was up to the mark and I can confidently say we handed the school accommodation back cleaner than it was when we moved in.
In conclusion I can put my hand on my heart and say “We gave 28 children affected by cancer an exciting, safe, fun filled week” and I would like to think that we also gave their parents a welcome break and a respite if only for a few days. My heart goes out to those same families, and all I can think at the moment is – Your Children are Awesome and to see them in the river, swimming, no-one would believe they had a worry in the world. My committee and I look forward to seeing them all again at the families reunion day in May and at Queenstown for CQS 2011.
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| Tom MacDonald, Regional Manager |
| Off road vehicles promoting CQ at the Festival of Speed in Whitianga on April 10th & 11th |
23/03/2010 |
Offroad racing team offers a 200 km/h ride in an unlimited-class offroad racing truck is on offer at the 2010 Whitianga Festival of Speed as the Baker Offroad Racing Team raises funds for Camp Quality.
The team is offering a unique opportunity to sit alongside champion offroad race driver Gary Baker in an actual championship race at the festival on April 10.
No other type of motorsport in New Zealand offers a member of the public the chance to take part in an actual race simply by being the successful bidder for a “Ride of Your Life” and signing an indemnity on race day.
“Offroad racing is the most exciting, spectacular type of motorsport there is. Every time I fire up the truck’s big V8 engine I’m just flooded with adrenalin, and the feeling of racing in total comfort across rough terrain at speeds that would destroy regular trucks is just amazing,” says Bay of Plenty-based driver Gary Baker.
“Now we want to share that experience with people, and it’s all in support of children living with cancer – I can’t think of a better reason to go racing!” The proud father of two young daughters, Baker says the project is about “giving something back”.
“Every parent thinks ‘what if’ – and families who find themselves affected by child cancer need all the help they can get. So if we can help Camp Quality add a little bit to quality of life for these kids then it’s a very worthwhile project. If we can scare the pants off a few auction winners in the process and get them hooked on adrenalin, so much the better!”
The ride opportunity is “live” on TradeMe and searchable under the title ‘Camp Quality Ride of Your Life’.
Two other teams have offered rides in support. All three drivers now involved in the project are current or recent champions: Aucklander Anthony Hewitt is the New Zealand production class champion in his massive red Dodge Ram 1500 4WD; Clive Thornton of Whakatane is the winner of the sport’s toughest race, the two-day, 1000 km Asset Finance Taupo 1000.
Race helmets and overalls are supplied for each ride, and auction winners receive a team T shirt and cap and have their photograph taken with their “ride”.
Like Baker’s Nissan Navara, Hewitt’s Dodge and the Southern Cross of Thornton are all V8 powered.
“These rides are the ultimate race experience. There is nothing like offroad racing, and no other way to get an authentic race ride in New Zealand motorsport without buying a car and doing it yourself!”
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| Wellington/Central Districts regional website |
22/02/2010 |
Our Camp Quality Wellington/Central Districts website is now live and can be found at: www.campqualitycentral.org.nz
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| 7th annual John Andrew Ford & Mazda K.I.C. Family track day for Camp Quality |
22/02/2010 |
The 7th annual John Andrew Ford & Mazda K.I.C. Family track day for Camp Quality was a huge success.
Saturday 16th January 2010 started as any normal day....with one twist....we were gearing up for our biggest ever Camp Quality turn out.
At nine thirty we were greeted with an endless wave of blue CQ shirts, which just kept coming over the main track crossing at Pukekohe.......around 500 family members and Camp Quality staff.
KIC started the day at 10.00am with the arrival of the truck convoy...what a sight that was to see –KIC wishes to say sorry to anyone who got caught up in the traffic jam from the Telstra Centre to Pukekohe Park raceway!
The drivers were pumped the kids were rearing to go, so off we went..... The selection of cars this year was incredible...ranging from an amazing model A (Thanks to John Andrew Ford) to a Ferrari 360—plus all the huge range of muscle cars , race cars and the trucks...and not to forget the Denny Hulme supercar .......
KIC runs road car and race car grids, each grid loads up with the kids and companions into all cars and the driver give them a three lap spin around the circuit...all under pace car and police supervision....with one grid exception, the race cars— no pace car but helmets and belts a must....
KIC celebrity drivers for 2010 were, James ―Huggie Urquhart, ―Racing Ray Williams, Pete ― Kaos Ward and Shane Van Gisbergen, these boys had a blast...not to mention that Gissey had dads Ute, so he had to make sure that the XR6 Ute made some smoke with a couple of mandatory donuts!
The lunchtime entertainment was something to watch,with Ray & Shane thrown into the E cart from Formula E, seeing both drivers shooting down the main straight and throwing them into a power slide, gave the viewing public something to talk about the power of these battery powered go-carts.. Paul Irwin thrilled the crowd with this V8 blown XB Ford Fairmont.. lots of smoke, Paul said he would finish with a bang, and a bang he did......... Blew both rear tyres..... Just when we thought the lunchtime entertainment was over—out roared the Denny Hulme supercar—giving two lucky punters a ride of their lives.....
KIC doesn't just do things on the ground, so at 1.30pm on the dot, three War-birds swooped in and thrilled the crowd with a fifteen minute air show.
KIC wishes to thank all the companies that supplied fun rides and entertainment for these very special kids for the day.
Camp Quality is a non-profit organisation (all volunteers) that gives children living with cancer, aged from 5-16, a week long camp; a week of fun filled enjoyment. The KIC track day is traditionally the first day of the Auckland/Northland region’s week long camp and includes the children's families in the day’s fun at the track.
KIC is a group of Kiwis’ that fund raise during the course of the year, to put on this free day out for Camp Quality.
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| Nigel Karl |
| Stacey serves lunch at the 2010 Auckland/Northland Camp |
22/02/2010 |
Camp Quality Ambassador Stacey Jones serving lunch at the Auckland/Northland regions January camp visit to Rainbows End. |
| Freemasons Overwhelm Camp Quality Waikato/BOP |
08/11/2009 |
Sunday 8th November was a milestone day for Camp Quality and the Freemasons of the Bay of Plenty, Geyserland and Waikato Lodges. For two years the Freemasons in this area have been very proactive in their support for the children of Camp Quality. Supported by their National Benevolent Committee they have donated $23,500 in each of those years. This has been a significant achievement but this year saw a major advance on previous efforts.
Coordinated by Mike Cooke, Benevolence Officer B.O.P., and widely supported by the lodges of this region, a number of fund raising events have been held. These include auctions, raffles and charity dinners. As can be seen in the photo a monumental sum of $27,000 was handed to Fiona Hammond the Regional Manager of Camp Quality Waikato-Bay of Plenty. District Grand Masters Ross Rex (B.O.P.); Paul Sutcliffe (Waikato) and Tom Becker (Geyserland) presented the cheques on behalf of their Lodges.
In receiving the donation, Fi commented on the strength of the relationship between the organisations and sincerely thanked them on behalf of all the children who will benefit at Summer Camp 2010.
The Freemasons of the Hairini Lodge provided afternoon tea for members of the CQ Committee and the many Lodge members who had travelled some distance for this presentation.
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| Fi Hammond |
| A Quality Sub with Stacey |
24/08/2009 |
Kiwi rugby league legend Stacey Jones may have announced he is not renewing his contract with the Warriors next year, but he still has plenty to keep him busy with his Subway business and role as Camp Quality NZ Ambassador.
Stacey recently hosted a group of six Camp Quality children at the Avondale Subway franchise he and wife Rachelle bought last year. The Camp Quality children, who enjoyed sharing lunch and having photos taken with the halfback at the Rosebank Rd branch, left with a surprise gift of a rugby league ball fully signed by the Warriors.
The children from left to right are; Liberty Taylor, Bianca Gaensicke, Tui McLeod, Ryan Godfrey, James Eastwood and Heath Beggs.
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| J Carter |
| Camp Quality Welcomes Freemasons Support |
21/08/2009 |
Auckland/Northland Camp Quality Regional Manager John Green says the ongoing support of the Freemasons has been invaluable. “Not only have the Freemasons executive officers been coming to our summer camp over the last three years, each year they present a cheque which we greatly appreciate,” he says. “This support goes a long way in allowing us to deliver our camps and programmes at no cost to families and ensure campers have the best time possible.”
The generosity of the Freemasons this year has been no exception. “Our summer camp in January was greatly aided by the group of Auckland and Northland lodge members who helped in the kitchen by washing dishes, serving meals and cleaning up afterwards,” says John. They also presented Camp Quality with a $20,000 donation from the St Benedicts St Group Lodges and the Freemasons Charity.
“Our camps are run totally by volunteers and funded totally by donations. The Freemasons support in both areas is always greatly appreciated at our Auckland/Northland camp,” says John.
John also recalls a discussion he had with the executive group at the 2008 summer camp that resulted in the donation of a much welcomed Ezy-up marquee. “I explained that we had nothing to show the public that the Freemasons supported Camp Quality,” says John.
“They had a five minute meeting and asked what Camp Quality needed. I asked for a 6x3m Ezy-up to act as a base and place of shelter when we set up at various locations. They replied that we would have it for the 2009 camp - and we did.
“We now have something that proudly shows the Freemasons logo and ‘Donated by the Freemasons’ printed on it,” he says. “Wherever you find us, you will find that Ezy-up,” he says.
Camp Quality Chairman Jim Grierson says, “It’s wonderful to have the continued support of the Freemasons and we hope we can develop our relationship with Freemasons across the country. The generosity shown by the Freemasons in supporting Camp Quality is greatly appreciated.”
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| J Carter |
| CQ Kids visit the Comedy Festival |
09/05/2008 |
On a wonderfully rainy Auckland day an intrepid group of CQ derdoers ambled along to join in the fun of the Auckland Comedy Festival and see the show by Men of Steel.
We made our way through a multitude of raindrops to score front row seats and after being made to don white garbage bags we were witness to three mad Aussie chefs animating two cookie cutters, a host of kitchen utensils and more food then you could...well...eat in a wild puppet extravaganza that featured burner spaceships, popping popcorn, watermelon dismemberment, much food squishing and throwing and the rise of a great broccoli forest!
Thank goodness for the white garbage bags as food was flung far and wide!
The show was a hilarious delight and as our group made it's wet way for some McDonalds lunch, we all laughed and chattered wildly about what we'd just witnessed!
An excellent adventure for sure! Me thinks some of the kids might be planning to share their new food animating lessons at the dinner table at home... |
| Smaily Selmani |
| Unilever sponsors the kids into Rainbows End |
15/04/2008 |
The rides were full of smiling faces and an unexpected visit from Stacey Jones was enjoyed by the Auckland/Northland campers and companions during April.
The team from the Unilever Social Club once again provided an exciting and entertaining reunion event for the Camp Quality Campers and their families. More than 300 people turned up outside the Rainbows End gates to be met by Stacey Jones and let in to enjoy a day of fun, food and ice cream. Even the bad weather couldn't keep the kids off the rides.
Thanks Unilever for your tremendous support AGAIN! |
| Ann Webster |
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