Furnitoyz has delivered a new mud kitchen and 30 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Pareawa Banks Avenue School, after the school was the lucky winner of its giveaway.
Owner Michelle Dickie said it was a chance to give back to the community.
Since opening Furnitoyz, the former pre-school teacher and her husband Euan have been trying to have a giveaway every year.
“Last year we were watching the news . . . and people were struggling to get schoolbags and all the bits and bobs that go along with it to get kids into school,” she said.
The giveaway, which was open to all schools across New Zealand, received more than 150 entries.
Pareawa Banks Avenue School principal Toni Burnside said it was nice for some pupils to get a bit extra at this time of year.
“We are proud of our school and our tamariki. And it’s nice to have that positive community recognition. We know that when our tamariki get those backpacks, they will be so excited,” she said.
Two pupils from each class who represent the school’s values will be selected to receive the backpacks.
Burnside said there will also be a small, added criteria.
“We know some of the children in those classes need a wee ‘pick me up’. Things are tough at the moment for families and the community, so teachers will be looking through that lens as well.”
Said Burnside: “To get that as part of the prize, it’s amazing. Our juniors love playing with water and pretending to make plates.”
Last year, Furnitoyz also donated three pallets of foods and hygiene products to Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington city missions.
