Media release

Orewa, August 8, 2007

Available for immediate publication

'Project Pride’ bringing butterflies to Orewa

Rodney District Council’s mayor, John Law, is encouraging the community to get behind a project that will bring butterflies to Orewa.

Mr Law recently donated two swan plants to Project Pride, a project that aims to get children with learning difficulties involved in the natural environment.

He says the swan plants provide interest and enjoyment for the children, as well as attracting butterflies.

“The life-cycle of a butterfly is not only educational, but butterflies also have a wonderful calming influence,” says Mr Law.

He hopes that more people will grow swan plants, or better still donate them to what he describes as a worthy cause.

Project Pride’s facilitator, Adrienne McKenty, says the project gives the children the opportunity to learn about the natural environment outside school.

“The project is for children who are struggling in the classroom, so once a week we visit the Western Reserve mini golf facility to do planting, and in return the kids get to play mini golf for free,” says Mrs McKenty.

“This enables them to develop skills and confidence, and in turn pass their knowledge on to other children.”

Project Pride involves 15 – 20, eight to 12 year-olds from Orewa, Silverdale, Red Beach and Whangaparaoa schools.

It has been running for five years and receives minimum funding relying heavily on the continued support of the schools and community.

Mrs McKenty says the support they have received has been fantastic.

“We cannot thank people like the mayor and Herman David from Orewa mini golf enough – the kids just love his place,” she says.

To find out more about Project Pride and how you can contribute, contact Adrienne McKenty on 426 8921.

ENDS

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