Ride to Thrive

School Start First Impressions Marlborough (SSFI): Giving Marlborough Kids the Best Start Possible

When children begin school, their first experience should be exciting, empowering, and equal. For many families in Marlborough, however, the start of formal education can be financially overwhelming. That’s where School Start First Impressions Marlborough comes in, an initiative led by three family members who simply wanted to make a difference.

Michelle Munro saw a video on Facebook about the Auckland-based initiative and, inspired, she posted about it online, saying, “If I had the resources, I’d love to do this.” That simple declaration sparked a movement. She reached out to the original charity and asked if they could bring the concept to Marlborough. The answer was a resounding yes which is just as well as they soon discovered there is a great need here.

Launched in July 2020, the Marlborough branch began supporting new school entrants with fully personalised "start school" packs. These aren’t just generic boxes; they're thoughtful collections tailored to each child’s size, interests, and needs. The boxes include everything from school uniforms and stationery to shoes, a school bag, swimwear, books, and even a birthday cake and present. Every item is brand new, ensuring the child can feel a sense of ownership and pride.

“We want them to feel special, valued, and ready to start school,” says Michelle. “It’s about self-esteem. Some of these children have never had a birthday cake. These simple things show them someone cares.”

With referral partners including kindergartens, social service agencies, WINZ and other organisations, the charity operates confidentially. Referrers, the trusted professionals working with families, submit requests via a secure website. The only information shared is the child’s first name, initial, and birthdate to maintain privacy.

The impact has been significant. In the last financial year alone, the charity delivered nearly 130 boxes, supporting around 20% of Marlborough’s new school entrants. “When we started, we thought we’d serve 10-15% but with everything going on since COVID, the need has grown,” says Michelle.

Despite the incredible work they do, the team is small and humble. It's a family operation run by Michelle, her mother Brenda Munro, an experienced accountant, and her aunt Margaret Smith, a former teacher with a passion for education. Together, they manage referrals, shop for supplies, apply for grants, and pack boxes. Some local businesses are a great support, supplying essentials items they need.

The average box costs the charity $300–$400 to create, though its actual value for a family to put together is closer to $700. That’s why fundraising is critical. While they rely heavily on grants, their annual Christmas Giving Tree campaign is a major source of support, bringing in many contributions from schools, businesses, and individuals.

Callum Saunders, Olympic cyclist, World Cup champion and Commonwealth Games medallist, is lending his energy and stamina to help the SSFI cause this coming Sunday, 25 May at Athletic Park from 10am. On a mission to raise funds and awareness for this impactful cause, Saunders is cycling 1,000 laps (around 450km) at the park in just 24 hours. The community event accompanying his effort includes food trucks, kids’ activities, raffles, and public rides, making it not only a fundraising event but a celebration of what community can achieve together.

“The event with Callum Saunders is special, not only because of his athletic feat, but because of the visibility it brings to a largely hidden issue: child poverty in Marlborough,” says Michelle. Many people have no idea just how tough it is for some families. This takes the pressure off the parents and sets the child up for success from day one.”

It is also special for Callum. Since finishing his international sporting career he has completed a Masters Degree in Business Management, is a chef at Wairau River’s Number 11 restaurant and also coaches domestic and international athletes but he has never forgotten all the help he received along the way. “Since wrapping up my elite sport, I've been looking for ways to challenge my mind and body, and also give something back,” he says. “I feel particularly fortunate to have grown up in Marlborough and had the resources and support to get a good education and be able to follow my sporting dreams. This event is a great opportunity to be able to help others less fortunate than me. The work SSFI does off their own back is absolutely legendary. It’s great to be able to support them and help out any of our kids who need it.”

And that’s what School Start First Impressions is all about, helping Marlborough’s youngest learners begin school with confidence, dignity, and hope.

This article was originally published in Marlborough Weekly as part of an advertising feature.