If you’ve been to primary school in the past 26 years it’s likely you’ll remember Harold the Giraffe, and if not, well, you’ll be sorry you missed him.

He’s the mascot – the face, if you will – of Life Education Trust; an organisation that teaches thousands of Southland kids some of life’s biggest lessons.

The Life Education Trust aims to educate and empower children to make healthy choices so they can live full and healthy lives. Through a mobile classroom and interactive technology, it covers topics such as what is the impact of decisions we make, how do we keep ourselves safe and what do we need to know about the food we eat, amongst many others.

Locally, the Trust talks with schools about what the needs are and frames a programme to suit.

The Trust is funded through sponsorship, grants, donations and fundraising – and its national partner, Apparelmaster, is providing valuable support across the country, including in Southland.

Life Education Trust Southland chairperson Val Whyte says the support is huge and not only financially, with McCallums Group’s Apparelmaster Customer Service Manager Jaime McNaught recently joining the organisation’s Board.

“It’s wonderful to have Apparelmaster alongside us, supporting the Trust nationally and very much locally,” she said.

“Jaime has brought a breath of fresh air to our Trust, she’s wonderful.”

“Their support is just magnificent.”

In 2016 the Trust visited more than 7500 Southland children, in the majority of Southland primary schools.

Since the partnership began in 2015, McCallums Group has put plenty of effort into fundraising efforts for the Trust, supported by its clients. The Southland business was presented with a national award at the Apparelmaster National Conference, recognising its input into the local Southland Trust.

Jaime had been impressed with the way McCallums Group staff and clients had gotten behind the cause and said the ongoing relationship at a national and local level had already proved hugely positive for all concerned.

CLICK HERE to find out more about Life Education Trust.