Demand for Christchurch's Cholmondeley Children's Centre up 150 per cent in nine years
Solo dad Raymond was shaking when he first took his two children to stay at Cholmondeley Children's Centre in Christchurch.
But with no family support, he needed help.
It has been more than two years and his two children – Renee, 9, and Dray, 8 – stay at the respite centre for five nights every six weeks.
More than 500 children stay at the largely community-funded Governors Bay centre each year, an unprecedented increase from less than 200 in 2011, which chief executive said could be indicative of the "increasing gap between the rich and the poor".
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Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?
Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.
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27.6% I love it!
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31.2% Only in designated areas
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41.2% No, it should be outdoors only.
Looking for Jewellery Repairers!
Jewellery is a big portion of the broken items we see at the repair cafe, so if you enjoy saving and restoring broken things, we'd love to have you at our next Repair Café in October. If you know one, or you ARE one, and you'd like to know more message us, or get in touch with Dave, projectmanagerlet@gmail.com | 03 423 0445.
The Repair Café will be on Saturday 5th October at Te Ara Atea, Rolleston from 10.30am-1.30pm.