Generous donation means garden continues to grow

Malibu School received a financial boost last week to the tune of $3200 to further its horticulture program and offer students more specialised gardening training.

The donation was made by the Secret Harbour Golf Club Association.

Club president Richard McCauley and treasurer Peter Hoops presented the school with the cheque last week when they visited students involved in the program.

Mr McCauley said the club accumulated the money over nine years and had to close, so they decided to donate it to five different worthwhile recipients.

“We chose Malibu School, Princess Margaret Hospital, Make a Wish foundation, Prostate Cancer foundation and Canteen, as we thought they could use the money the most,” he said.

Mr Hoops said the club was happy with the spread of money and by focusing on a few; they could make a real difference for each recipient.

Malibu School principal Noelene Mason said the money would allow the school to turn its dreams into reality.

“Our vision at the school is ‘a future without limits’ and programs like the horticultural one provided a safe way for the students to experience all that they can be,” she said.

Ms Mason said the school was focusing on creating a community within the school and everybody wanted to get on board.

“Their donation will help us extend the garden here — something we only ever dreamt of before,” she said.

Produce from the garden is used in the school’s cafe.

Ms Mason said the students were also learning problem solving and science when working in the garden and discovering waterwise ways to conduct their work.