On Sunday 16 July, some of our Novita kids and their families ventured to the Adelaide Hills for a family fun day at the Hahndorf Farm Barn. The Farm Barn is a farmyard and wildlife park where kids can hold, touch and feed a range of different animals in safety and comfort.

The day was organised by the wonderful team at LJ Hooker Salisbury. Our Novita families were met by a very special guest, none other than the very cute Mr Hooker bear, who gave the kids plenty of hugs and high fives!

The kids enjoyed a range of entertainment including shows and face painting, a tour of the farm, holding and feeding the animals, and of course some very popular pony rides! Families were also treated to a sausage sizzle, kindly cooked by the LJ Hooker staff, followed by delicious cupcakes for dessert.

“When we started discussing our community event we knew that we wanted to do something for children aged between 5–12 years of age with a physical or intellectual disability. We also wanted to approach an organisation that was in our demographic. When we started doing some homework we come across Novita on Salisbury Highway Parafield Gardens. Once we sat down with Jaylee the Community Engagement Coordinator and she started explaining what Novita do, we knew their clients and Novita ticked all of the boxes and that we were on the right track,”  said Business Systems Operator, Karen Hansen.

LJ Hooker Sales Representative, Vito Nozza, said it was a great day for everyone involved.

“I met so many wonderful parents on the day and was able to put a smile on their children’s faces. I went away from the experience feeling that I had given many families my love and assistance and hopefully made their outing memorable and showed that we care.”

“A great big thank you to my principal, Daren Morris, from LJ Hooker Salisbury that planned this event and made it possible. I would jump at the opportunity to do it again.”

Our kids couldn’t wipe the smiles from their faces and our families really appreciated the day.

“The shows were fabulous and our daughter loved the pony ride. I am glad that I took a day off from my work on unpaid leave and spent time with my family. It means a lot to me.

“Thanks to Novita and LJ Hooker for the wonderful opportunity, the kids had a ball!”

“Thank you for inviting us, we all enjoyed the day and met some very lovely people”.

Sincere thanks to LJ Hooker Salisbury for supporting Novita through such a wonderful initiative.