Spearheaded by Head of Community Service and Assistant Chaplain Rev. Onosai Auva'a and supported by his team of 60 student volunteers, the evening was one of joy, laughter and fulfilment for all involved. IHC is New Zealand’s largest provider of services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
In preparation, the students had spent time in the weekends before the big night sourcing decorations and baking a selection of cupcakes to offer the guests.
On the afternoon of the event, the students poured straight into the Great Hall after school to help set up, so come 6pm everyone was ready to receive the 160 members of the IHC community, including clients and caregivers. A huge vote of thanks goes to William Tisdall (Year 12, Marsden) who did an amazing job as DJ, providing a steady stream of dance music to get both the students and the IHC community up and moving. There were also spot prizes given out for the best Hawaiian-theme dress-ups and the best movers and shakers.
After its one year off, it was certainly a relief for all to see the event come to fruition just in time before the country plunged back into another lockdown. As Head Chaplain Rev. Gareth Walters commented, "In speaking to one of the caregivers, they said that among the IHC community, the King’s IHC Social is regarded as a ‘red-letter day’, as they look forward to the event so much. Asking them why, they replied that it was simply because of the genuine friendliness and warmth of the students that made it so enjoyable."
