August 2025
Spring promises to bring plenty of excitement at Cholmondeley as the first stage of our playground upgrade comes to life. On 15 September, Creo will begin installing our brand-new swings and seesaws, replacing the previous ones which have served children for decades. The old playground has been enjoyed by thousands of children during their time at Cholmondeley, and we acknowledge the many memories created there as we look forward to the exciting new equipment.
With some good spring weather on our side, we also hope to see the bike track asphalted later this month, completing Stage 1 of the upgrade. A huge thank you to Canterbury Landscape Services, who have generously supplied and delivered aggregate for the bike track and also donated the bark for our new playground areas – an incredible gift to the project.
Looking ahead, we’re delighted to share that funding has been secured to begin production of a flying fox, the first feature of Stage 2. Fundraising is underway for Stage 3 of the project, the basketball half court, which we can’t wait to bring to life.
A huge thank you again to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, skills, and resources so far. Together, we’re creating an incredible space for our tamariki to enjoy for many years to come.
Kind regards,
Darel Hall
General Manager
Centre Update
Truck-It Canterbury Raises Over $30,000 for Cholmondeley
This month we have been amazed by the generosity and kindness of many businesses and individuals who continue to stand beside Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. None more so than Benny Sexton and the wonderful teams at Quirk Digital and Vortex Contracting, who organised the very first Truck-It Canterbury event.
The day began with an extraordinary sight: more than 150 trucks, buses, and cars gathering in convoy and rolling through the city streets, horns blaring and lights flashing, much to the delight of the children and families riding along. For many of the children, sitting high in the cab of a truck or bus and waving to people as the convoy passed was an unforgettable highlight that will be talked about for years to come.
After the convoy, the fun continued at the Canterbury A&P Showgrounds with live music, bouncy castles, food trucks, and diggers and trucks to explore up close, ending with a lively charity auction that raised vital funds for Cholmondeley.
We are delighted to announce that over $30,000 was raised, a fantastic result that will go directly to supporting Canterbury children when they need it most.
Truck-It Canterbury was more than a fundraiser. It was a celebration of community and generosity. Thank you to every business, driver, volunteer, and supporter who made it possible, giving our children and families the gift of a truly memorable day.
South Island English Freemasons Extend Their Support for Cholmondeley
We are pleased to share that the District Grand Lodge of South Island Freemasons have extended their partnership with Cholmondeley Children’s Centre for another two years, taking it to a total of five years. Even more, they plan to increase their annual donation to ensure Canterbury children continue to receive the care and support they need.
The District Grand Lodge of South Island, through the South Island English District Charitable Trust, is part of one of the world’s oldest charitable organisations, the Freemasons. Built on the values of integrity, friendship, respect, and charity, Freemasonry has a proud tradition of supporting communities through meaningful partnerships.
Their commitment has gone beyond donations alone. Last year, the Freemasons ran a highly successful Gin & Whisky event which raised additional funds for Cholmondeley. It was a wonderful example of their generosity in action, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum together over the next two years.
Nigel manning the barbecue at our Centenary Golf Tournament earlier this year.
Nigel Paterson, District Grand Charity Steward, explained why Cholmondeley was chosen: “Here in the South Island, we look for ways to support our communities through charitable work, partnering with two charities over a five-year period. These partnerships allow us to provide meaningful funding so that charities can continue doing what they do best. The charities we support are chosen through a vote at our Annual Communications Dinner, where not only our members but also their wives and partners take part in the decision. Cholmondeley stood out to us because of its heritage, its mission, and its unwavering commitment to children in need—something that resonates strongly with our principles.”
Nigel has been a dedicated advocate throughout the partnership, personally engaging with our team and events. “As the District Grand Charity Steward, it is my honour to represent our organisation as the face-to-face contact with Cholmondeley. For me, it is important to truly understand the needs and aspirations of the charity. What Cholmondeley does touches my heart deeply. I do all I can to be actively involved in both the events we run and those organised by Cholmondeley, ensuring I am a strong voice for the partnership."
“This work fills my cup,” he continued. “Being able to contribute and take part in Cholmondeley’s mission is both a privilege and a personal source of joy.”
We are so grateful for the Freemasons’ commitment, care, and generosity. Their support helps ensure we can continue our vital service for Canterbury children and their families.
Vote René! 🚴♂️
René Heyde, a former Cholmondeley child, has made the final three in the 2025 Westfield Riccarton Local Hero Awards. First place wins $20,000 for their cause, with second and third receiving $5,000 each.
René’s journey is truly remarkable. As a child, he and his two brothers spent months at Cholmondeley after witnessing domestic violence at home. Those early challenges did not define him. He went on to become a Commonwealth Games bronze medal-winning cyclist.
So, 60 odd years later, when René decided he wanted to give back to Cholmondeley, naturally he turned to his bike, cycling 3,800km across Australia, riding every single day for 36 days straight, through storms and tough conditions, completing his mission without a day off. Not bad for a 70-year-old!
René hopes that by sharing his story he can inspire kids to believe in themselves and see that no matter where they start in life, anything is possible.
Voting is open until September 8 and takes 30 seconds. Please help us spread the word by encouraging your friends and family to vote too.
Z Good in the Hood
Cholmondeley Children’s Centre has been selected for Z Energy’s Good in the Hood at Hornby and Belfast Z stations!
Voting is now open and runs until 21 September. Every time you fuel up, you’ll receive an orange token – pop it in our box to help us receive funding to continue supporting children and families across Canterbury.
If you’re passing through Hornby or Belfast, please vote for Cholmondeley and help make a real difference in our community.
Alumni Story: Paul Flanagan
When Paul Flanagan arrived at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre the day after his fifth birthday in 1974, he told staff it had been his birthday the day before. They threw him a small party, giving him two celebrations in two days, an unforgettable start to his stay.
Paul remembers exploring the old fort behind the trees, digging in the sandpit, and walking down to the jetty and around the bay. He even started school at Cholmondeley. Most special of all was being able to see his father for outings on weekends, which gave him and his siblings much-needed family contact during a confusing time.
Paul and his three sisters came to Cholmondeley after their mother experienced a breakdown while raising five children under five. Following a short stay at Strathmore Girls’ Home, they were moved to Governors Bay, where they remained for three months until their father was granted custody.
Looking back, Paul believes Cholmondeley played a vital role in keeping his family together. “We would have been split up and sent around the country otherwise. Instead, we kept our strong bond of family unity.”
Today, Paul says Cholmondeley continues to be a crucial resource for families. “This is a fantastic place to support a family’s needs for both adults and children. Kids can get the time out and support they need, and so can parents.”
Reflecting on his journey, Paul is grateful. “Cholmondeley has helped make me the man I am today. Its accessibility and care have been a massive resource, one our community truly needs.”
Upcoming Events
Little Gems
Saturday the 6th of September, 7pm
Christchurch Town Hall, Limes Room
Tickets are now sold out, and plans are well underway for a sparkling night of celebration featuring live music, award-winning drinks, delicious canapés, and exciting auctions. We’re thrilled to have sourced an incredible range of items, all generously donated by our amazing supporters. Thank you!
If you’d like to bid on any of the auction items but can’t attend Little Gems, please email ryan@cholmondeley.org.nz and we’ll help you set up a bidding plan.
Cholmondeley’s Centenary Sailing Regatta
Friday the 17th of October
Te Ana Marina
Need some wind in your sails?
Gather your crew and join us for Cholmondeley’s Centenary Sailing Regatta. It's a fun-filled day on the water for corporate teams or groups of friends, all in support of a great cause.
No sailing experience? No problem. An experienced crew will guide you every step of the way. It’s the perfect day to host clients or treat your team!
This centenary regatta comes with a twist: think treasure hunt on the water.
A huge thank you to John Jones Steel as our Naming Rights Sponsor, Lyttelton Port Company as Associate Sponsor, and to Naval Point Club Lyttelton for hosting and expertly managing the event.
Interested? Find all the details and get involved by clicking the button below.