Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger recognises Sue Barton and her contribution to Pōkuru School.
Every Monday, Sue Barton brings warmth and energy to Pōkuru School’s breakfast club.
International Volunteer Day saw a celebration at Pōkuru School. Photo: KickStart Breakfast
Sue is a farmer, an active member of the Rural Women’s Group and long-time volunteer who has been part of the Pōkuru community for decades.
She is one of 5000 volunteers who help run the KickStart Breakfast programme in more than 1500 schools nationwide.
At Pōkuru around 30 students start their day with a nutritious meal.
Sue said volunteering is about staying connected to her community.
“Both my children and grandchildren went to Pōkuru School, so being part of the breakfast club is a wonderful way to give back and keep those ties strong,” Sue said.
“Seeing the kids run up to say hello and grab their breakfast is always a highlight. It’s such a simple moment but brings so much joy.”
Since the programme launched in 2009, more than 75 million breakfasts have been served.
More than 45,000 children receive breakfasts every school day.
In Waikato, the KickStart Breakfast programme is at about 200 schools, involving more than 25,000 students.
It launched at Pōkuru in 2014 and on International Volunteer Day in December, representatives from Fonterra, Sanitarium and Ministry of Social Development attended the rural school to celebrate the contributions.
Sue’s commitment to Pōkuru School goes beyond breakfast.
Her family farm has partnered with the school for the Trees for Life Riparian Planting Project since 1996.
Through this initiative, students have the opportunity to visit the farm each year and plant approximately 600 seedlings.
Pōkuru School principal Vicki Robinson sings Sue’s praises.
“Sue’s contributions over the years have created so many learning opportunities and helped shape experiences for generations of Pōkuru students,” Vicki said.
“Her dedication and service are deeply appreciated by our staff and students alike.”
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger recognises Sue Barton and her contribution to Pōkuru School. Photo: Farm Source
