Special bond strengthened at Titikaveka

Members of the sunshine Coast Junior Development Vaka Eiva crew were welcomed to Titikaveka College on Tuesday with a traditional turou and magnificent ei’s.

The Australian crew lugged 115kg worth of goods to donate to the college, which they have visited for a number of years and have established a special bond with the students.

Trainer David Dunmow says each time they visit it gets more and more special.

The team was received by an assembly of excited students who captured the attention of their visitors with their beautiful singing of the school song and a stunning performance by young dancer Trainee Daniel.

Last year the team brought with them sporting equipment and this year the paddlers decided to give the school half the money raised by their fundraising efforts – a total of $400.

Principal of the college Mata Hetland accepted the gifts, saying they really did not expect anything, least of all money.

Hetland had a few ideas for where the money would be most beneficial but for now they are going to focus on cheering on their friends from Sunshine Coast.

Members of the team raised the money by cooking BBQ plates at the Special Olympics Australia earlier in the year.

The remainder of the money will be donated to Avatea School in aid of their rebuild along with books and a guitar.

Dunmow was made aware of a recent fire at the primary school by event co-ordinator Victoria Dearlove a week before arriving. The trainer then decided to rally up as many books as they could manage as well as the money.

He says the kids usually use the funds to pay their fare to Rarotonga but they felt the money was better used going towards the schools.

A separate donation of a professional chef kit was made by team member Katie Emmert who sold sausage sizzles with the help of sponsors to purchase the kit for the college’s home economics department.

The team has taken part in Vaka Eiva since 2006 and have since become honorary locals with strong friendships formed with local paddlers.