Hillsborough dad urges people to dig deep
Former solo dad Aaron D'Souza is calling for donations to help single parents struggling with high school fees.
The Hillsborough resident is appealing to community members to sponsor deserving secondary students from one income families.
D'Souza launched Against the Odds scholarships last year to help single parents pay for school supplies and uniforms.
The teacher at De La Salle College, in Mangere, south Auckland, wanted to help others after falling on hard times himself.
Eight years ago he was unemployed, facing eviction and raising two boys alone.
Now he is delighted to be part of a blended family with his sons, 17 and 13, and a stepdaughter, 7.
"Having been through solo-parenting myself, I know what a struggle paying for school supplies can be and a lot of kids out there are missing out on school trips and camps because they can't afford to go," D'Souza said.
Applications for the scholarships can be made through Auckland schools for students with a good attendance rate and who are endorsed by a teacher or dean.
D'Souza awarded five of the $1000 scholarships last year thanks to the generosity of local families and businesses.
"It's only $1000 but that's a good amount to get them started. For most people that will cover uniforms and stationery and a chrome book," he said.
But the year nine dean is grappling to find enough funds with only two donations so far.
"Because of COVID19 it's been a hell of a year," D'Souza said. " It's a lot harder asking for things."
The food technology and hospitality teacher plans to award three scholarships to Auckland schools this year including one to De La Salle College and another to Onehunga High School where his sons are students.
D'Souza aims to raise $6000 so he has enough funding for three more donations each year for the next two years.
Trying to find ongoing funding has proved trying, he said.
"The long term goal is to get people willing to commit to three years or five years so I don't have to keep chasing money."
More information about the Against the Odds scholarships can be found here: againsttheoddsscholarships.weebly.com...
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
Poll: Have you had a pen pal?
With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.
Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!
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67.4% Yes
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32.2% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
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