Pastor Patrick Rounds is like the Pied Piper of pancakes.

He makes them, and suddenly there’s an audience.

During school term, the aroma of heavenly pancakes wafts down Park Rd as students gather at St Peter’s Anglican Church.

They are there for Student Pancake Thursday which returns next week. In preparation, 18 volunteers are getting ready for another year of feeding hungry tummies.

The initiative started last year after Rounds saw college students in town on Thursday mornings when the bell rang slightly later.

“That was the idea, to give them something to do on Thursday before school and keep them out of town.”

So, Pancake Thursday came about with the combined churches and its maiden day had approximately 200 kids show up. Meanwhile, the college returned to its regular start time but the decision was made to continue Pancake Thursday.

By terms three and four, Katikati Primary School students had joined the pancake line and nearly 400 students were regularly streaming in.

The breakfasts were so popular that wardens were installed outside to guide primary school children safely across Park Rd.

The breakfast includes a pancake, with toppings of cream, maple syrup, fruit and a cup of Milo.

Rounds said it’s a bustling atmosphere and the kids leave full, happy and ready for the day. He’s heard that those who often skip school will definitely come on Thursdays.

Some parents have said it’s the highlight of the week for their children.

“It’s also a good chance for volunteers to have interaction with young people, it’s a way of giving back and a way to connect to young people,” said Rounds.

“It’s a privilege to be able to serve the community.”

The project costs about $200 weekly to run, so donations or more volunteers would be welcome.

The initiative is supported by Katikati combined churches, Four Square Katikati, BeeNZ, Rotary Club of Katikati, Reach Out Trust and Katikati Food Collective.

If you’d like to help, contact Patrick 027 978 6926.

The details

What: Student Pancake Thursday

Where: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Katikati

When: Thursdays starting February 13, 7.30-8.20am