Second Step initiative recognised with Rotary Young Totara Award

The first recipient in District 9920 of the Young Totara Award was Molly Hillman for her school-based charity enterprise ‘Second Step”. The Young Totara Award recognises the positive achievements of our young people, promotes sound role models for our youth and fosters responsible attitudes towards the community. By singling out and recognizing young people with these qualities, we can promote these ideals and encourage positive role models for the growing generations. This new initiative for District 9920 is recommended for all clubs to use at anytime of the Rotary year.
 
Molly Hillman was presented with her award by District Governor Gary Langford with President Robyn Ingram along with a seedling Totara tree at a meeting of the St Johns Rotary Club in June.  She was originally selected in March, but the presentation was delayed by the onset of COVID-19 lockdown.
 
"Second Step" was instigated by Molly when she was only 15.  Molly decided that she wanted to help the community by making sure that every child in her area had a warm well-made pair of shoes to attend school in.
 
"Second Step" recognized the fact that children's feet grow very quickly and families have to keep buying shoes.  Many families are unable to afford a new pair of shoes for their child and Molly determined that a simple connection between people who have spare shoes, with children and families who could make use of them.  It is a simple relationship made through "Second Step".
 
The organization started off with a small number of local schools and donors, but the ultimate goal is to take it regionally, then nationally, providing a donor service to children all over New Zealand.  The first “branch” out of Auckland is at RangiRuru College, Christchurch.
 
The future can also be extended to infant shoes and sports shoes, both of which are in equal demand.  Soliciting sponsors for the likes of shoe polish and laces is also a role Molly has and she acknowledged the support of her parents.
 
Recent recipients of shoes have been Manurewa High School (40+ pairs), Papakura High School (50+ pairs) and Papatoetoe High School (40+ pairs) in Auckland and Okaihau Collect (100+ pairs) in Northland.  Publicity has been received through a story in Nadia magazine and an interview on NewsTalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast show.