General News
12 September, 2023
Tables foster connections
NOBODOY understands the flow on benefits of a small gesture quite like those in a small town.
NOBODOY understands the flow on benefits of a small gesture quite like those in a small town.
Simpson Primary School students welcomed the addition of new school benches thanks to the generosity of Midway and members of the Simpson Men’s Shed last week.
Midway donated the materials and members of the men’s shed set about building four new outdoor tables, which were delivered to students last Thursday.
School principal Melissa Berry said the new benches provided an exciting opportunity for the students to develop their social connections.
“We’re very grateful to Midway and the Simpson Men Shed because this is something we’ve been wanting to add to our campus,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to have so many people supported with the one project.
“One of the tables was made taller and the ends extended as we have a student in a wheelchair so he can sit with the other kids.
“It’s all about having fun.”
Midway plantations manager Kevin Johnson said he was proud to see the company invest in a “simple” project which created a multi-faceted opportunity for people to connect.
“I was really happy to be involved because we get to support the students at Simpson Primary School, the members of Simpson Men’s Shed and the timber was supplied locally, so it helps everyone,” he said.
“At the end of the day it was really quite simple but it supports so many people.
“We have a particular focus on mental health, it’s something I’m familiar with from people in my family and people within the company, being part of so many people getting to connect through something simple works out great.
“There’s so many benefits so this is clearly a wonderful investment for Midway.”
Simpson Men’s Shed member, Anton Maures, who joined around a dozen members at the school to drop off the new benches, said the members loved having the opportunity to do something so rewarding.
“It’s fantastic; it’s a win-win for everyone,” he said.
“We’re so happy to build them, it gives us a lot of joy because we know the kids will benefit, and when they benefit the community will benefit, so it’s just a wonderful thing.
“We enjoy doing it, it doesn’t take too long to build but it makes us feel good knowing we’re doing something and helping.
“If things like this happened more often, if companies followed Midway’s lead, then everybody wins if we’re bringing a little money for local volunteer groups.”
