How it all began…
“I have a dream” said Jill two years ago and sometimes dreams come true. Her dream was to take the people of Thumbs Up on an Outward Bound course, to extend, explore and push new boundaries. This involved not only for Thumbs Up to go outside their comfort zone, but also for Outward Bound to push their boundaries. A special course was designed to meet our needs….
After months of preparation and fundraising, 41 of us embarked on the Interislander Ferry heading to Picton on Monday very early in the morning. The Ferry was packed with people and we were very glad we had so much support from the staff and volunteers who came from all over the world. Abi and Merryn S, went back on the returning Ferry and the rest of us walked to the Beachcomber (the little ferry) that took us to Anakiwa. After some heavy lifting of the wheelchairs onto the ferry and a 25 minute sail we arrived at Outward Bound.
We were greeted by the staff who sang a song and in return we did a very impromptu song and dance. Seth, Andrija, Bradley and Matthew P, stayed with us for the night and returned to Wellington the next day. For the rest of us we had the whole week ahead full of activities, adventures and explorations including low & high ropes courses, the flying fox and kayaking and yachting on the open sea.
The entire Thumbs Up crew cannot say thank you enough to all the organisations and individuals who have made it possible for us to fulfil the dream of taking our young people to complete the Outward Bound course. Thank you to the Infinity Foundation, Wellington Community Trust, Hutt Mana Trust, the Rotary Club Petone and IHC Parents Association Lower Hutt. In addition, thank you to those of you who purchased compost, movie tickets and raffle tickets. Thank you to all those people who made private donations through our Give a Little page or through our website. To our special volunteers Bee, Anneke & Shannon, the parents who volunteered their time, the Thumbs Up staff and the Outward Bound Instructors & team we say a huge THANK YOU! Your support during the week away was invaluable. We are so grateful for every donation and grant we received and all the hands on help that was available over the week. We absolutely could not have done it without you all! Until the next adventure……..