Pāpāmoa Playcentre, which covers its running costs solely from donations, is hosting a gala day at Simpson Reserve this Saturday, March 8, to create a new swing area.

The licensed early childhood education service, which is co-operatively run by parents and whānau, supports around 50 families, said Pāpāmoa Playcentre teacher Abi Kilduff.

“Pāpāmoa Playcentre is a not-for-profit early childhood centre [ECE],” she said.

“However, it’s special, unique quality is that parents and caregivers stay with their children on-session and share in their magical pre-school years.”

Because it’s not a private ECE with fees, every year the playcentre needs to raise money to fund its running costs and any extra funds for projects such as upgrades, repairs or replacements of items.

Pāpāmoa Playcentre child Amelie McCarthy. Photo / David Hall

“This is a big challenge for us, especially in today’s current financial climate,” said Kilduff.

The idea to hold a fundraising gala day was considered last year, now the staff have decided to go for it.

Attendees can expect a bouncy castle, a bouncy slide and face painting, gala games like hook-a-duck, hoop-a-jar, and a bean bag throw.

There will be lots of yummy food including a sausage sizzle, ice creams, shaved ice cups and a bake sale, plus a coffee cart and market stalls.

“We also have a free zone with playdough, colouring, blocks and some garden games,” said Kilduff.

“As it’s our first gala we are unsure how much we will raise but as local businesses have been so generous and we have great prizes up for grabs, hopefully a good amount.”

Kilduff said funds raised will be used to create a new swing area.

“We’ve recently fundraised to build a new playground as our old one had to be torn down and now our swing area needs attention.”

Pāpāmoa Playcentre child Terry Devcich, teacher Alex McCarthy and child Amelie McCarthy. Photo / David Hall

Kilduff said the gala day will have lots of prizes up for grabs.

“We have gala games, which have four levels of prizes, with top prizes including Baywave family passes, My Ride vouchers, café/restaurant vouchers, Classic Flyers family passes plus many more.

“We are so incredibly grateful for these generations businesses and organisations.

“People can follow our Facebook page to keep up with any fundraisers we run as we’ll often pop our raffles on there too.”