May 2026
April was a fun-filled month, full of adventure and plenty of opportunities for our tamariki to explore and play. Pirate Day was undoubtedly a highlight. More on that below.
The Christchurch Gondola gave everyone a chance to head above the clouds, while trips to Imagination Station at Tūranga, Margaret Mahy Playground, Parakiore, and Godley Head with its embattlements brought plenty of smiles.
Pink Shirt Day was a wonderful opportunity for both tamariki and staff to wear pink in support of kindness, inclusion, and standing up against bullying. To celebrate the occasion, Chef Nina showed the tamariki how to make delicious Pink Cheese Scones. If you would like to try making them at home, you can find the recipe here.
Thanks to funding support from Sport Canterbury, our new skateboards have also been a big hit, giving tamariki a chance to work on their balance and coordination.
It’s been a busy month with lots of variety and memorable experiences that make Cholmondeley special.
Kind regards,
The Cholmondeley Team
A Lifetime Later: William’s Story and the Power of Giving Back
In 1946, an eight-year-old boy named William arrived at Cholmondeley for a two-week stay. One of five children, including his twin brother, Stanley, William’s early years were shaped by challenge after his father left the family. His mother, needing support at a difficult time, turned to Cholmondeley for respite care.
Eight decades on, William, now 88, still holds vivid memories of his time with us. He visited Cholmondeley a few years ago to find his entry in the original registration book, a treasured keepsake that lists the children who stayed alongside him all those years ago.
What he remembers most is the simple joy of being a child. Days were full, with time set aside after lunch to rest and recharge. There were friendships, laughter, and even a touch of childhood drama, like the time an 11-year-old girl decided William would play the groom in a make-believe wedding. After a disagreement, she promptly replaced him with his twin brother Stanley for the starring role.
Not long after his stay, William’s family moved to Nelson, and his time with Cholmondeley came to an end. But the impact of those two weeks never left him. It remained a place where, despite the challenges at home, he felt safe, supported, and free to simply be a child.
William went on to live a full and varied life, including a distinguished military career followed by 18 years as manager of Rannerdale War Veterans' Home where in 1998 he was awarded the QSM in recognition of his service.
Today, William has come full circle. He has recently become a regular giver to Cholmondeley, choosing to give back to the very place that once supported him and his family during a time of need.
It’s people like William who remind us just how lasting the impact of care can be. His story is also a powerful reflection of why regular giving matters. Ongoing support from regular donors allows us to plan and budget with confidence, ensuring we can be there for children when they need us most, and continue providing care that makes a real, lasting difference.
If you’ve ever considered making a difference in the lives of Canterbury children and families, becoming a regular giver is one of the most meaningful ways to do so. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure we can continue to be there, today, and for generations to come.
Kaide Hancox Bailey Annual Memorial Golf Day
A heartfelt thank you to the Hancox and Bailey families for choosing Cholmondeley as the beneficiary charity of this year's Kaide Hancox Bailey Annual Memorial Golf Day. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, the event raised an amazing $34,000!
We felt extremely privileged to be part of such a special day. The event was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for a shared purpose. There were tears, laughter and genuine connection, and it was easy to see why this day means so much to so many people.
Thanks also to the many businesses who generously donated prizes for the tournament, and to Tracie and the team at Runacres and ILAM Toyota for their support of the Hole in One competition.
While we are deeply grateful for the funds raised, it is the relationships and connections that mean the most to us. We met people who had spent time at Cholmondeley as children and heard stories of the lasting impact those experiences had on their lives.
After visiting Cholmondeley, Kaide's father Chris offered to support with building a bike shed at our pump track, helping bring another project for our tamariki to life.
We are so grateful to have met Kaide's family and the wider community around them. Thank you for your generosity, your warmth, and for welcoming us into such a meaningful day.
Pirate Day
Our annual Pirate Day was another fantastic success, providing tamariki with an unforgettable day of adventure on Lyttelton Harbour.
The young pirates spent the day exploring Ripapa and Quail Islands, steering boats, solving clues and embracing the excitement of a real-life treasure hunt. Along the way, they were even treated to dolphin sightings, making an already special day even more memorable.
While the activities were great fun, experiences like Pirate Day offer so much more than just a day out. They provide opportunities for tamariki to build confidence, try new things, strengthen friendships and create positive memories that can stay with them for years to come.
We are incredibly grateful to the many individuals and organisations who helped bring the day to life. A special thank you to Sabrina, Alex, Phil and the team at Naval Point Club Lyttelton, Kevin from Jet Junkies NZ, Black Cat Cruises, and the wonderful volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to make the day possible.
Upcoming Events
Fit for a Cause 2026 - Presented by 2degrees
Fit for a Cause 2026 is just around the corner, bringing together organisations and supporters for 24 hours of movement, music and motivation in support of Cholmondeley Children’s Centre.
Held at Anytime Fitness Cashmere from 8:00am Friday 26 June through to 8:00am Saturday 27 June, the event features a 24-hour relay of walking, cycling and running. With live DJ sets, prizes and an electric atmosphere, it is a powerful way for teams and supporters to come together and raise vital funds for Canterbury children and families.
This year, incredible teams are stepping up to take part.
Keen to get involved? Here are two ways you can support:
Join Team Cholmondeley for an hour or more and take part in the challenge alongside us - contact Sarah at sarah@cholmondeley.org.nz to sign up or find out more.
Donate to Team Cholmondeley here - Fit for a Cause
Matariki Taonga Awards
Join the Lyttelton Harbour Business Association on Friday 10th July for a special evening to celebrate Matariki and recognise the hard work, integrity and achievements of those who contribute to the Whakaraupo community.
The awards acknowledge their efforts, perseverance and contributions they have made to our communities.
Get your nomination in before 17 Jun - Nominate here.
Tickets on sale - $50 each (includes nibbles and dinner) - Purchase tickets here.
Cholmondeley is grateful for the long-standing partnership with Naval Point Club and will be the chosen charity again for the 2026 edition.