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...
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43.2% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56.2% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
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Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s only 5-star airport hotel, given its incredibly close proximity to the airport, the convenience of walking to the airport is a major highlight but there are plenty of other features that make it special.
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5.2% Unmatched runway views with a private lounge
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46% Exceptional service from arrival to departure
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5.2% Gourmet dining featuring New Zealand's finest, celebrating Te Ao Māori kai
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7.4% Māori culture reflected throughout, creating an architectural marvel
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