Members of the Nelson Blind Foundation visit St. Joseph Vinnies to be Presented with Tactile Book

   On Wednesday 7 December, three members of the Nelson Blind Foundation braved the very wet weather to come to St. Joseph's School to share with the Vinnies their experience of being blind and to be presented with the tactile book. Chrissy was able to share positive feedback in regard to how well the previous tactile books that have been created by Vinnies groups have been received by the community. Amanda brought her guide dog Clover along to visit, Clover a well-behaved and very friendly dog captured all our hearts with his placid nature. Both Kaye and Amanda were able to share with us as to the useful way of handling both money and cards when out shopping. We learned that the five on ATM machines always have a dot that can be felt which can help navigate the key pad - something we'll have to check out for ourselves next time we're out shopping.   

St. Joseph Vinnies Create Tactile Book for the Nelson Blind Foundation

   For our last project of the year the St. Joseph Vinnies have been working on a tactile book for the Nelson Blind Foundation. The Jungle Counting Book contains a number of creatures that people who are blind will be able to explore from a soft fabric monkey and three fabric giraffes to rubbery lizards and plastic animals. This book will be the third addition to the Nelson Blind Foundation. The two books previously donated by Vinnies groups at St. Paul's School in Richmond and St. Peter Chanel School in Motueka have had much use by those who use the services of the Blind Foundation and just recently featured in an exhibition here in Nelson providing insight into what it is like to be blind. We hope our latest book will get just as much use.

Vinnies Present Puppets and Musical Instruments to the Students at Maitai School

   On Wednesday 9 November the St. Joseph Vinnies visited a class of students at Maitai School to present them with the drums, shakers, puppets and furry critters they made for the students in Term 3. It was great to see just how much joy these resources brought to the children we made them for. The Vinnies came away completely buzzing from having this opportunity. Thank you so much Maitai school for hosting us.

St Joseph Vinnies - A group of Movers and Shakers

   During Term 3 the St. Joseph Vinnies created drums and shakers to also present to students at Maitai School when we visit in Term 4. These along with the puppets and furry critters will hopefully provide lots of fun and entertainment for students with disabilities. 

Vinnies Make Puppets and Furry Critters for Children with Disabilities

   On Wednesday 3 August the St. Joseph Vinnies decorated puppets and furry critters for children with disabilities. They had lots of fun making these creative creatures and we hope the children they go to will have just as much fun playing with them.

 

St. Joseph Vinnies Present Rebecca Nott with Money Raised

   The St. Joseph Vinnies had the great pleasure of having Rebecca Nott come back to visit them on Wednesday 27 July so they could inform her as to the money they raised selling Fair Trade drinking chocolate at the end of last term. Rebecca was able to show them a video and photos from her time over in Malawi and will be able to use the money raised to pass on to World Vision who she worked in closely with while in Malawi so that the money can assist a primary school either in the Chigodi or Onga village.

 

Stained Glass Crosses - a reminder of the good deeds we do

   To wrap up the term for the St. Joseph Vinnies, the Vinnies created stained glass crosses containing the following poem...

 

This ‘stained glass’ cross

Created in this way,

Is similar to the stained glass windows

In Churches where we pray.

Made up of tiny fragments,

Which in themselves mean naught,

But when they’re placed together

A thing of beauty’s wrought.

This cross is a reminder

Of the tiny deeds we do

That make up a life of beauty

With God’s love shining through.

The crosses which the St. Joseph Vinnies got to keep are a reminder that even the smallest deed done is greater than the most noblest intention in the world. We can all play our part in being the shining light of God's love in making a positive difference in the world.