Brightwater School has rallied behind the Brightwater Volunteer Fire Brigade’s fundraising efforts for Blood Cancer New Zealand, with a hero-themed dress-up day that rewarded six lucky pupils with a ride to school in a fire truck.
Rather than focusing only on fictional superheroes, students were encouraged to celebrate real-life role models, particularly volunteer firefighters who give their time to keep Brightwater safe. The result was a colourful and creative day, with students arriving dressed as the people they admire most.
Six best-dressed students earned a memorable prize, a ride to and from school in a real fire truck. While the trip is still to be organised, excitement is already building among the winners.
Principal Glenda Earle says the school community was proud to support such a meaningful cause.
“We are incredibly proud to support our local heroes. Many of us have needed their help at some point, or know someone who has, and we deeply value the time and dedication they give as volunteers to our community,” Glenda says.
“This is truly a worthwhile cause, and we are grateful for the opportunity to give back. We wish them all the very best for their ongoing training and the challenge ahead.”
The event brought the whole school together, with students and staff contributing a gold coin donation. A popular pizza lunch fundraiser also helped boost the total, with all proceeds supporting the local brigade as it prepares for an extraordinary challenge later this year.
Six members of the Brightwater Volunteer Fire Brigade are taking part in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge in Auckland on Friday, 23 May. The annual fundraising event sees firefighters from across New Zealand take on the demanding task of climbing all 1,103 steps of Auckland’s Sky Tower while wearing full firefighting gear weighing about 25kg.
Chief Paul Shutte, Nikki Furness, Brenton Laing, Cody Treanor, Elliot Slotemaker and Cole Slotemaker will represent Brightwater, pushing themselves to the limit to raise money for New Zealanders living with blood cancer.
Brightwater School’s Hero Day has highlighted the strength of community support, bringing people together to have fun while backing those who serve when it matters most.
