Local boy aiming to make struggling child’s birthdays “all come at once”

Glen Eden Intermediate School student, Josh Korte, wants to send struggling local families to Rainbows End for free. Josh, 12, came up with the idea as part of a school project around poverty.

Instead of focusing on food or funds, Josh decided to bring a little joy to children who may not otherwise be able to visit the Auckland theme park.

“All children need to have a chance for fun and excitement in their lives, but lots of people can't afford to do the things that they would dream of doing,” he says. “I have thought of a way of perhaps making a child's birthdays all come at once.”

Rainbow’s End CEO, Chris Deere, says he was “delighted” to be approached by Josh and organised to meet with him to discuss the project.

“We were very impressed with Josh’s initiative and kindness towards others and were delighted to be involved,” says Mr Deere.

Rainbow’s End has agreed to donate 10 family passes – 40 tickets in total – to Josh’s project, along with food for each family on the day. Josh has asked the Auckland City Mission and VisionWest to each help identify families who would value and appreciate a day at Rainbow’s End.

Josh hopes that by spreading awareness around his initiative, members of the community might be encouraged to sponsor 10 more family tickets for people experiencing crises and financial hardship to visit Rainbow’s End.

Auckland City Missioner, Chris Farrelly, says Josh’s insight and compassion is a heart-warming example of how generous Aucklanders are, irrespective of age.

“Josh has put a lot of thought into this initiative, and took the time to understand how a family in crisis may not be able to afford the kinds of fun outings that many of us enjoy,” says Mr Farrelly. “We are so grateful that young people like Josh live in our community and we know that vulnerable local children are going to have the time of their lives, thanks to his efforts.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media