Photos: Harbour Light Hosts Kite-Making Event

March 23, 2024 | 0 Comments

Residents and staff from the Salvation Army’s Harbour Light programme have built homemade kites to raise money for the men’s addiction programme.

Chandra-Lee Bascome, of Harbour Light, said the group hoped to raise more than $2,000 by selling the kites that will be available for purchase before Easter.

She added that the funds raised would go towards providing outdoor therapy for the programme’s ten men, where they can learn to enjoy “clean living” activities such as bowling, mini-golf, archery, pool, tennis and movies.

More than 140 kites and kite frames have been created by the group – 50 for sale, 40 for the Mental Health Court, 30 for two separate youth programmes and 20 for corporate events.

Ms Bascome said the annual fundraiser started 24 years ago when the Salvation Army had government funding cut.

“Those who are engaged in making the kites thought they were just enjoying making them,” she told Bernews.

“However, since the public has been coming to purchase [the kites] and praising their abilities, the boost to their morale has been elevated.

“We initially began this venture due to budgetary cuts but quickly saw how beneficial it was for each to painstakingly prepare and then execute.

“Not only is this teaching patience and seeing something through to the end.

“It’s also become a moment of quiet time to put your all into something very relaxing.”

The kites are available from $25 and are available at the Salvation Army’s King Street location.