Junior classroom blocks at Windy Ridge Primary School in Glenfield were painted on Saturday 25 February by an army of 233 Mormon Helping Hands volunteers who completed the job in little more than four hours.
The project was one of many completed by thousands of volunteers in communities all around New Zealand on the same day. All wear the distinctive yellow Helping Hands vests as they give cheerfully of their time and abilities.
Mormon Helping Hands is an annual national event in which members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in wide-ranging community enhancement projects. Similar efforts take place in countries around the world.
Browns Bay resident Emmanuel Richards coordinated the large team of local Mormon Helping Hands volunteers who cleaned, sanded, and painted the Windy Ridge School classrooms. He says: "It's a great opportunity to get involved with the community. So many of us get lost in day to day living and when a chance comes to get out and help someone else it can make a real difference not only for those who are receiving the help, but for those who are doing the helping."
Another volunteer, James McIntyre, who is a teacher at Westlake Boys, was at the project with his young son Mitchell and nephew Levi. He said, "I feel it's important to help people and especially schools. This is teaching my son to help others and to be willing to volunteer. And we're having a fun time being here too."
Last year, Mormon Helping Hands volunteers painted the senior classrooms at the school. The principal of Windy Ridge School, Brenda McPherson, was delighted for the group to return this year to complete the job. Painting materials we're provided by local businesses.
Elder Kevin W Pearson of the Seventy commented. "It's heart warming to think about the tremendous amount of good done by so many in one day. Just imagine what could happen if we all followed the Boy Scout adage to do a good turn daily. It's no wonder why the Saviour's teachings are founded on loving and serving one another. The measure of those who would be His true disciples is evidenced by the loving acts of selfless service in their lives".