Lucky letter leads to bright future for Otara school

In 1993, tasked with finding a home for some spare softball equipment, Carol Selwyn, PA to Mainfreight’s founder Bruce Plested, let her fingers do the walking and called a nearby school to see if they could make use of the sports equipment.  Thanks to location, and an early appearance in the alphabet, Bairds Road Primary School ended up being the lucky recipient.

20 years and more than $750,000 worth of support later, the partnership between the school and the global logistics firm has become a model for how big business can work with the community to achieve positive results.

Aside from that first interaction (Mainfreight ended up keeping the softball gear and sending a cheque instead), the school has benefited from ICT hardware and support, uniforms and sports equipment, books through the Duffy Books in Homes programme and even a fleet of soapbox derby racers – unique amongst lower decile South Auckland schools.

In 1997 the school decided to recognise Mainfreight’s contribution with a name change to Bairds Mainfreight Primary School.  Since then the relationship has gone from strength to strength, even to the extent of Mainfreight founder, Bruce Plested, hosting up to 170 children, teachers and parents at his Waiheke home each year.

To celebrate their 20 year partnership Mainfreight has decided to extend its support beyond the classroom and offer assistance to children who have left the school.  At any given time a pool of up to $27,000 in tertiary scholarships will be available to former pupils of the school.

In addition, up to $12,500 will be available to high school students who attended the school to ease the burden of school fees, uniforms and excursions.

The scholarships are offered not only to help former pupils strive academically and socially after they leave the school, but also to reinforce that both the school and Mainfreight are committed to supporting their futures.

“Our firm belief is that education is the enemy of poverty,” said Mainfreight’s Executive Chairman, Bruce Plested.  “We want to show that New Zealand businesses can work with schools to provide opportunities that their children might not otherwise have.  Our contribution to the school has been more than outweighed by the school’s generosity in kind and spirit – they continually uplift Mainfreight and our team.”

There are further benefits to be had from connecting the scholarship programme with a primary school.

“We believe the Mainfreight partnership has enabled us to have a really positive effect on our pupils during the early years of their education,” said Bairds Mainfreight Primary’s Principal, Alan Lyth.  “When they come to leave us they’re faced with new environments which may not give them the same opportunities. These scholarships will help us keep in touch with, and continue supporting our pupils, long after they’re gone.”

A special event to celebrate 20 years of partnership and announce the scholarships will be held on Tuesday March 12 at 10a.m. at Bairds Mainfreight Primary School, Edward Avenue, Otara.  Past pupils and teachers will be present along with representatives from Mainfreight.

Past pupils of Bairds Mainfreight Primary School are encouraged to apply for the scholarships by contacting the school directly on 09 274 8271 or principal@bmps.school.nz.  Applications are now open for scholarships to be allocated in the current academic year.