Harold the giraffe is something of a celebrity across Nelson Tasman, but his transport has not always matched his status.
Life Education Trust Nelson Tasman educator Ingrid Kemp has spent years transporting Harold in a Mazda Demio. Last week, however, a partnership with MS Motors gave Harold and Ingrid a much roomier ride.
MS Motors chief executive Jimmy Banks says that he remembers learning alongside Harold when he was at school.
“I grew up in the 80s and remember Harold from then. It's done obviously an amazing work for almost 40 years,” Jimmy says.
“It's just a really good, well-known charity that just does such good things, and especially at the primary school/intermediate age group.”
Life Education Trust provides health and well-being education programmes for primary, intermediate and secondary school students. Topics include substance abuse, bullying, mental health, nutrition and financial literacy.
On Wednesday, Jimmy presented the trust with a Ford Transit Courier to support its work across the region.
He says that the vehicle is far better suited to the trust’s needs, offering plenty of space to transport Harold while remaining economical to run.
MS Motors will also cover servicing costs, and the trust can use the vehicle for as long as it needs.
Ingrid is heading to Golden Bay for four weeks of education programmes after the school holidays and says she is looking forward to finally having enough room for everything she needs.
“I can't wait to see the kids in the community because they all recognise my car and they all wave; I can't go anywhere without being waved at, and just the looks on their faces, it's going to be amazing,” Ingrid says.
The trust says it is hard to put into words the positive impact the vehicle will have on its work.
Jimmy recalls his own two children excitedly telling him that Harold had come to visit their school.
But on Wednesday, it was Jimmy who headed home with news of a Harold visit after taking the opportunity to snap a selfie with Nelson’s famous giraffe.
