5 minute read
Carterton
Two Carterton Rapunzels are the heroes of another person’s story, donating their long locks to cancer patients in need of wigs.
Ruby Verheij and Mila de Boer had meaningful haircuts recently, and with plenty of support from the community, added to the $2160 they had already raised in only six days.
Ruby, 8, has had only one previous haircut in her life, while her younger sister Mila, 5, had never had one.
“I want to give my hair to people with cancer who have lost all of theirs. I have so much hair, so I would like to share it,” said Ruby.
Their mother, Ali de Boer, said when her youngest daughter was born, she had the most amazing hair and wanted it to be her decision if she would like to donate it.
“When I was pregnant with Mila, I came across this story of a child who was suff ering from cancer. It really touched me.”
Ali asked her daughter how she would feel about it, with her saying she wanted to give her hair to people who need it.
“I want to cut my hair off so those little children can have some hair too,” said Mila.
The family had been personally aff ected by cancer, with three out of four grandparents getting the disease.
They decided to donate the money raised to the Child Cancer Foundation New Zealand and the hair to Freedom Wigs, who create the wigs for people living with cancer.
“We chose the children’s cancer foundation because these kids with cancer haven’t even had a chance at life yet. They get hit harder and they need a lot of support. It’s something that Ruby and Mila can relate to because they are children,” said Ali.
The family were overwhelmed with the support from the community and the response, receiving donations from many people around the district.
Ali had to raise their
Ruby Verheij and Mila de Boer are donating their hair to cancer patients. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
original fundraising goal from $500 four times.
“We’re completely blown away.”
Comments on their Give a Little page included: “You are such beautiful and courageous girls. Thanks for being so caring and selfl ess. This will have such a positive impact.”
“So nice for these children who lose their hair and have already suff ered so much. Thank you Ruby and Mila. You have been blessed with beautiful hair.”
Headquarters Hair and Beauty Carterton cut the girls’ hair for free.
• Donations are open until May 27. To donate: https:// givealittle.co.nz/ fundraiser/ruby-andmila-cut-their-hair-forchildrens-cancer
Puppy farm remit remains caged for now
James Pocock
Masterton and Carterton District Councils’ votes to support a new puppy farming law have been muzzled by local government process.
They were two of four councils supporting Porirua’s remit for legislation against puppy farming.
However, any council wanting to put forward a proposed remit to the Local Government New Zealand [LGNZ] annual meeting must have formal support from at least fi ve councils before submitting their remit.
The proposed remit was due on Friday, May 14.
Porirua City Council [PCC] agreed to its remit on April 1 and received the support of Masterton, Carterton, Hutt City, and Kapiti district councils before the May 14 deadline.
South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] did not debate the issue before the deadline.
Mayor Alex Beijen said his council planned to vote on the remit, but could not do so outside their normal council meeting process.
“We would have had to do an extraordinary meeting to give them the support for the remit on time, and that was too expensive to do,” he said.
He said the late notice of the proposal had made it diffi cult to respond quickly, but he thought his councillors were interested.
“In principle, I think our councillors are more than happy to discuss the remit.”
Porirua would have the opportunity to propose the remit again for LGNZ next year if it got the support of SWDC.
The initial call for the remit was led by Porirua councillor Geoff Hayward, who said the issue was still important, despite the setback.
“I will continue to advocate on this issue, and in time I hope that councils around the country will also share my views as well.”
BREAKFAST ON THE GO?
Try our coffee and South African buttermilk avour rusks - sweet and smooth in taste.
CALL IN TODAY!
55 High Street South, Carterton (next to the Fire Station) Phone 027 3755 705
OPEN: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 9:30 - 5:30, Sat 9:30 - 5:30 Sun 9:30 - 4:00
WCM LEGAL
Is your drinking water REALLY safe to drink? For ALL your Water Filtration, Pumping and Electrical requirements SEE US NOW
For Bore, Stream, Rain Water systems, UV Treatment, Replacement Filter Cartridges PH Balancing Systems & Iron Removal
Ph: 06 379 7953. See us: 148 Belvedere Rd, Carterton
Plumbing problems or Bathroom and Kitchen needing a renovation?
Safe Hands Plumbing are your Maintenance Plumbing experts.
We can also assist with • Burst Pipes • Spouting and Roof Repairs • Installation of Gas Hot Water Systems • Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations
Proudly Wairarapa owned and operated. With us your job is in safe hands.
THE MISSING SISTER
The last book in Lucinda Riley’s Seven Sister series. Partly set in New Zealand
$32.99
Call in and see us
42 High Street South, Carterton Ph (06) 379 7103 www.almobooks.co.nz OPEN 7 DAYS
Tom Conwell, Carterton
Plant Pots, Water Bowls & Concrete Furniture www.formedbyhand.com 021 022 44174
& save
delivering you local news, opinion & sport
6 days a week with free home delivery
