A memorable day with KPMG
Thank you Volunteering Auckland
The contact was made, a simple call from volunteering Auckland indicating that a corporate company wanted to do a day of volunteering with a community group.
KPMG was not new to us as way back in 2006 the success of their association with us had seen the building we occupy painted by their talented people.
The wheels were in motion and very soon, a first meeting was underway between me, Norma-Jean Van De Rheede founder of Masada and, Project coordinator and Walter Manyati, Risk and Advisory Service Manager KPMG.
On meeting Walter Manyati, I realised just how tiny in stature I was not just to him , but also the huge modern trendy corporate building I found myself in. Walter Manyati expressed kindness, hospitality and his eagerness to know all about Masada and our people soon unnerved my inhabitations.
The date was set, the activity agreed upon and it was countdown to the 16th April 2010.
Our holiday programmes are always a huge success, as the only provider of a service where we combine special needs kids with others without special needs; we pride ourselves on our professional service delivery as we strive to meet our aims and objectives.
The Arrival: 16th April 2010
At 9am sharp, a contingent of what appeared to be KPMG employees gathered in our car park and made their way to our "not so modern and trendy building"
I had given our kids and teens the final pep talk "great behaviour" "welcome smiles "etc
As the KPMG people entered, they seemed uncertain, unsure and looked somewhat awkward. At first, our kids and teens seemed not to notice their arrival and I hastily took the opportunity to give our visitors a brief history and background to the organisation and also the various special needs they would encounter on their visit with us.
Soon we were all seated in a circle of friendship and a meet and great time filled with laughter and tales of afar and days gone by (the days by ? some of us only) was shared by all.
After an hour of introductions, it was time for ZUMBA.
The gyrating sound of Latino music soon filled the air and very soon, Lyn, our instructor had everyone dancing to the beat.
Coordination's were out somewhat, but laughter and serious concentration prevailed for the next hour.
After building up a tepid sweat it was time for the tasty treats brought to Masada by our corporate giants. Hot chocolate, fruit juice and muffins brought smiles to our kids and teens faces.
As a thank you gesture to KPMG, a Mylie Cyrus song – The Climb was sung and acted out by our young people , some who may never reach corporate level or hold down executive jobs yet their performance was priceless and from the heart ,once again portraying their beauty in simplicity.
Jackie Russell, a reporter from the Howick and Pakuranga Times Newspaper shared this wonderful experience with us and then hastily ushered Walter along with others away to do a very quick interview on our special day.
With the morning tea cleared away, the activity headed by the KPMG contingent was soon underway. Having brought river rocks along with them, our kids and teens soon budy'd up with their newly found friends and embarked on rock painting.
This was a shared experience for all and seeing the joy and content on our young people's faces showed much shared involvement and trust.
Face painting ended this magical morning as the corporate giants not only gave us their faces, but also as Walter proudly displays his head.
Soon it was time to say good-bye to our friends but not before the promise of future involvement was sealed.
What the visit meant to us
I often feel that the world of special needs is a forgotten one. Individuals with special needs are left out because of the ignorance of others not knowing or understanding. Avoidance is often the only way out.
This was not the case with KPMG.
This special day for the kids and teens at the Masada's holiday programme and the involvement of our KPMG corporate giants added to the self esteem and confidence of every boy and girl present on that day.
"When you travel the extra mile, there are no traffic jams."
Into the Future
Talks are underway for the annual Masada fundraiser.
Our request for assistance in our financial department is being addressed
The KPMG involvement in the next holiday programme
The friendships are alive and well.
This would not be possible if it were not for the wonderful work and assistance given to us by the team at Volunteering Auckland.
Your support in matching up our organisation with many of our volunteers, many who became employees of the Masada organisation will always be highly appreciated.
Norma-Jean Van De Rheede
Founder 2003, Masada Community Trust