2019 Christmas Donation Made to Children's Charity
November 2019

This year the Blacks Fasteners Christmas Donation will be given to the Koru Care and Stand charities.

Roger Black and his team waived their magic wand for 3 South Island children, whose dreams came true last October when they were sponsored on the trip of their lifetime to California. These trips have been an annual event for 34 years, and provide the opportunity for hundreds of sick and underprivileged deserving children, the chance to forget for a short time their own serious medical issues and enjoy themselves as children should, and so they did beyond all their expectations!

B (age 10) was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder, the first symptom being sight loss. With no night vision and limited peripheral vision being the first indicator of kidney disease. B was one of the younger children on the trip, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to be at the front of every opportunity for some fun. Whether it was collecting autographs of Disney characters or vying to get to the front of a ride, he did not want to miss out. His eyesight is deteriorating and he wanted to make the most of his current vision to collect these magical special memories. The trip provided that and he loved every minute of it.

T (age 15) suffers from chronic juvenile arthritis. A talented Nelson sportswoman who is devastated when her arthritic flare-ups impact her life. Diagnosed at 12 years of age her positive attitude, cheerful disposition and her sporting achievements help her through the tough times with the pain and side effects of medication. For 2 fun-filled weeks, her radiant smile beamed as she savoured every precious magical moment disguising her ongoing pain. She lived the dream for those two weeks.

Since our return, she has spent lengthy periods in both Nelson and Wellington hospitals as her current medication is no longer providing pain relief. Through these particularly challenging heartbreaking times on her return, it has been the trip experiences that have helped her cope.

After the trip Mum wrote, “Oh the book was so awesome, she just lights up whenever she goes through the book with anyone. She just so loved the trip and we have found when she is feeling down, I start a conversation regarding this trip and her light starts to glow brightly again.”

D (age 12) has cerebral palsy and is dependent on a walker and sticks for mobility out of his wheelchair. His happy disposition and will to give everything a go was incredibly amazing. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is huge for most, getting out of a wheelchair is massive. D’s social integration was outstanding and during this trip, he realised there are other children dealing with a variety of challenges relating to their medical conditions and that he is not the only one.

There will never be enough words to describe the massive positive impact and the life-changing effect these 3 children have been given thanks to Roger and the team at Blacks Fasteners. They have grown in every aspect of their life and their hearts will smile forever with the Disneyland memories they created.

We are touched beyond words – THANK YOU!

Chris George
Chairperson Koru Care CHC

As an expression of thanks to our customers and suppliers for their continuing support throughout 2019, Blacks Fasteners will be making a donation to the charity, Stand Tū Māia.

Through their service 'Stand For Children', the charity works to transform the lives of children and young people who are at significant risk of harm to their well-being as a consequence of the environment in which they are being raised and their own complex needs.

The donation will be made in lieu of gifts and funds will be distributed by the charity for use around Blacks Fasteners sales regions - Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury (including Timaru & West Coast), Otago and Southland.

Useful Information

Koru Care Christchurch
Stand - Children's Services Tū Māia Whānau