Raising cash for national and local need

---

By Julia Wade

With the annual appeal of one of New Zealand’s most trusted charities coming to an end, Mangawhai’s local youth did their bit to help raise funds with the iconic sausage sizzle. 

April is officially St John’s national appeal month with local divisions across the country fundraising for the organisation.

St John Mangawhai assistant divisional manager and youth leader, Shannon Gantley, along with youth leader Joshua Illingworth, plus several cadets, manned the BBQ on April 7 outside the St John Opportunity Shop. 

With market shoppers and warm autumn sun, Gantley says the morning proved profitable for the organisation.

"I am truly humbled by the number of people who donated as well as, or instead of, purchasing a sausage,” she says. “We feel very proud to represent the Mangawhai community.”

While proceeds from the sizzle go into the collective fund for St John national organisation, Mangawhai divisional manager Anastasia Tinsel says all other fundraising efforts by the cadets goes straight to St John Mangawhai Youth Division. 

“To be a St John cadet costs $10 per term which is nothing given what we do at division. However the costs for cadets attending courses and camps runs between $60 and $100. Add on to that transport costs and it can become a large price for most families,” she says. “My goal is to make all camps and courses affordable for all cadets, without their parents having to pay the full attendance fee.”

Mangawhai St John cadets Caitlin Graham and Jethro Morrow supervise youth leaders Joshua Illingworth and Shannon Gantley in serving a quality sausage to locals for the charity’s annual appeal week.

---