News from NZ Police

Police cars rolled up to the Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital for the annual Police Toy Drop today.

Sergeant Dan Ralph, O/C Driver Training, and nearly 40 staff from the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) and Wellington District convoyed to the hospital in vehicles laden with presents for children needing a bit of Christmas cheer.

It’s the second year Dan has run the initiative and he says the generosity, time and efforts of Police and hospital staff make the day extra special for the children.

“Staff from around the Wellington District and service centres have been fantastically generous especially when there are also many other worthy causes out there,” he says. “I want to acknowledge their support as well as staff who have organised gift collection boxes and delivery of items.

“This is a real team effort and I am grateful for all the support from my Police colleagues and the hospital staff who have put a lot of time and energy into ensuring the kids have a memorable day.”

Dan was supported by recruits, driver trainers, an AOS member and police dog handlers and their canine companions. They were welcomed with a waiata from students at Newtown School.

The Police Toy Drop is one of the many initiatives Dan has organised along with other Police staff who have volunteered their time and efforts.

In 2015, Dan ran a clothing collection for unwanted items of corporate clothing to boost the chances of Limited Service Volunteer trainees for when potential employers visit them on their course.

Earlier this year he got involved again with the Children’s Hospital and, thanks to the generosity of Police staff, presented them with more than 300 pairs of pyjamas and sleepwear items for children arriving at hospital in need of decent PJs.

“The year before last I unfortunately spent a lot of time visiting the hospital for a variety of reasons and had time to think about how I could generate some positivity in what is usually a place you don’t want to be,” says Dan. “So I decided to contact the hospital to see if we could do anything like a toy donation.”

Bill Day, Chair of the Wellington Hospitals Foundation, says they are delighted to again have the support of New Zealand Police.

“They have donated hundreds of pyjamas to help keep sick kids warm this year, and their annual toy drop and visit to the hospital is a fantastic event,” he says. “Watching the huge convoy of cars and officers appear round the corner is just magic and brings such a lot of joy to children and families spending time in hospital over Christmas.”

Rachel Moss, Acting Charge Nurse Manager adds: “Police are regarded as heroes to children, and their visits really lifts the spirits during their hospital stay, we really appreciate them taking the time to come.”

Dan says the best thing for him and his colleagues about the whole day is getting to spend time with the children.

“The best part of this initiative for me is the visit itself and the light in the kids’ eyes. The kids are awe-inspiring.

“We all like to see what we can do to bring a smile to a young person who, through no fault of their own, could be in a dire circumstance. The day is great for the kids but also the staff – it’s food for the soul.”