'connect' news february 2021

4/2/2021

Welcome back/Nau mai hoki mai

Directors, Dr. Lauren Porter and Wendy Entwistle.

Nau mai hoki mai/Welcome back to all our families and Champion Centre supporters.

In the last few weeks the Champion Centre has been ‘buzzing’ as staff, families and children re-connect after the summer break. It’s been wonderful to see all the growing and learning that has occurred.

This year we will be in touch more often, with a monthly newsletter. We want to show you a little more of what happens at the Centre. ‘You’ are what makes our community special, so we’re keen to hear from current families, Champion Centre graduates and our supporters.

If you would like to share any stories or photos please contact our Communications Advisor, [email protected]

Painting fun...

Louis working on his standing while painting for the first time. Great job Louis!
A great example of how our team work together to support all aspects of children’s development. Here our Physiotherapist and Early Intervention Teacher have jointly planned a fun activity.

Kobe heads off to school

We were excited and a little sad to farewell Kobe, as he makes his way to school. Thankyou for your heart felt words Hal. We think you are pretty awesome too. Go well Kobe and stay in touch.

'This is the last day at the Champion Centre for my beautiful Grandson Kobe, before he starts school. He has done so well and progressed unbelievably and that is because of the people that work here. They are the most amazing and caring people and I would like to thank them so much for everything they did for Kobe. They all "changed Kobe's life" and they should be very proud of that.'

Honouring Jan Murphy

Jan with two of her grandchildren.

Over 40 years of dedication by former Clinical Practice Manager, Jan Murphy, was recognised on the Queens New Years' Honours list. Jan became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and children with intellectual disabilities.

Jan was drawn to the Centre in the 1970s. 'It was a strong time for human rights, Vietnam and anti-apartheid. It was a time when children with additional needs didn't have the rights they have today or access to services.

'You say to yourself "social change needs to happen here," because these children don't have the rights that other children have.'

''It has been a privilege to work with so many courageous children and their families and whilst I am overwhelmed to receive this award, I feel that in part I receive it for them,' Jan says, emphasising the Champion Centre embodies a team effort,' says Jan.

We express our heartfelt thanks to Jan for all her years of dedication to our Champion Centre families.

High school for Liam

It's always great to hear news from some of our graduates. We can't believe you've started high school Liam. It seems it was just the other day you were coming to the Champion Centre. We're so pleased you're enjoying school.

'Liam has just started high school. He is in the Kohanga Ako unit at Riccarton High School. He is enjoying it so far. When I ask him what he did at school, he says, "lots of good things." 'He is now 170cm tall, or at least he was in September, he is probably taller now. ' (Elise, mum)

Golf fundraiser, Friday 26 March

The Champion Foundation Trust present the first fundraising event for the year. This is a great corporate team building event or a perfect opportunity to invite some clients for a day out. Get together a team of colleagues or friends together. Enter either as a team of four or individually. Only places for four teams are still available, so get in quick!

If you would like to sponsor a hole or donate a prize in this tournament, we would love to hear from you! > for more info and to register

What a champion!

We are overjoyed (and overwhelmed), Annabelle Latz smashed the 36 hour 100 mile Tarawera Ultramarathon in a staggering 32 hours! What an achievement from the sister of Centre graduate Nick, who is about to celebrate his 40th birthday. Annabelle raised an incredible $2500 on her Givealittle page. She has chosen to support The Champion Centre's 'Musical Play Therapy' programme..

The Champion Centre team of specialists offer children the best possible start to their lives to be able to reach their full potential. The total funding the centre receives from Government falls $7000 short for each child at the centre. This $700,000 shortfall relies on fundraising and donations.

A big thanks to...

As if the fabulous donation in support of our technology programme wasn't awesome enough, we are so grateful to Trevor and the team at Haydn for enabling the purchase of six SafeSpace toddler chairs. These safety designed, stackable chairs with a three point harness provide supportive seating, enabling safe eating, learning and social interaction at the table. The difference this donation makes to our children, families and staff is immense.

Spread the word!

If you know of any ‘past’ families, who used to attend the Champion Centre, or indeed anyone else who might like to receive this newsletter, please either ask them to call us on 03 383 6867 or email [email protected]