Many will know her from sight, not actually KNOW her.
You may see her coming, or hear her - Black Sabbath playing loudly in her car, the bass almost bouncing her off the road, or bright pink hair as she does her 'rounds'.
Not semi-automatic rounds, but by the sounds of it, some days a taser could come in handy. Our Karen happens to be a ticket master. No, she isn't offering anyone a good show, (unless you push really hard) - she's offering you an opportunity to take responsibility for your own error. Our Karen is a Parking Control Officer.
Being super good at her job, doesn't allow her to make many friends during the day. Oh well. She has her chickens.
Karen Mackle openly admits she love animals more than people. It is understandable how Karen has come to this conclusion. The majority of her interactions with people, on any given day, tend to be on the negative side.
Next time you see Karen out and about, smile and say hi. Tell her she is doing a great job. If you'd really like to show your appreciation, her favorite treats are gluten free biscuits - any will do.
This is where we introduce you to her new family members.
Karen has homed 12 refugee chickens who were rescued from a battery farm, due to authorities closing them down for cruelty. With surprise, yet delight, Karen is watching them settle in quickly to their new life of freedom.
It is conviction and compassion that propels Karen forward despite the dire situations that many young children here in the South Taranaki, are facing everyday.
Karen and husband Paul, moved to Hawera from Wellington 15 yrs ago. Almost immediately, Karen began working for SPCA on a voluntary basis. The following year, she joined the STDC as a parking officer. Around this time, she also became involved in Victim Support where her training specialized in sexual and domestic violence, suicide and homocide. This woman has seen it all, and continues to stand for those who cannot, themselves.
This is not for the fainthearted! This tough graduate of the school of hard knocks, has managed to harness her superpower into helping those suffering at the hands of perpetrators.
Noone wants to talk about it. Noone wants to acknowledge the reality. Sadly - it is a reality.
Picture, if you will a child, a child waiting outside an interview room whilst her older brother is being questioned about obscene events that unfolded that evening. Frozen in blind fear, unfamiliar surroundings, and the only tangible thing she has is a school bag packed with crumpled clothes, due to the urgency of departure, from the only place she calls home. Alone, afraid, traumatized.
Local constables have seen first hand, how these comfort packs, that Karen lovingly assembles, light up the young children who receive them. In that moment, they are special. They are worthy. They are shown, that they 'matter'. The blanket and the teddy represent comfort, and security.These items are handmade by Karen.
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| Some of Karens Patchwork Teddies |
Naturally, there is so much work to be done in this area. Tedz4TheKidz is a beginning of building trust, and connection. The psychological damage is tremendous. And again, this is a reality, for TOO many.
Thankfully there are organisations who are making a difference as we speak, including 4TheKidz programme.
Karens efforts have been supported by local Lions Club, Community Boards, Sinclair Electrical, Idea Services and SPCA Op Shop, and just recently Comfort Master. There is no official funding available for this initiative, due to not meeting their criteria.
It is not uncommon for Karen to purchase the items, with her own money to make up the gift packs.
The care packs contain, a handcrafted teddy, a patchwork quilt, a colouring in book, crayons, pencils, and a torch.
The torches are purchased from Best for Less @ $2 each, Wool is required (for blankets knitted by a strong supporter, Dawn). All donations of the above will go directly toward these packs.
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| Please donate if you can |
If anyone, reading this has the ability to donate any of the above items, it will be graciously received. We can all contribute in our own small way, but knowingly making a difference to this very special project.
Signing off with images of love, creativity and transformation.
This lady certainly has the ability to turn the obscene into objects of beauty. Here are some of her pieces of art.
Whether Karen is aware, mosiac, the actual art of having a vision of what can be, despite the chipped and broken pieces and what they represent. Like our lives, noone goes unscathed, some more broken than others. These images represent HOPE. We can become more beautiful through our life experience if we allow it. We can use that beauty by helping others.
Thank you Karen and Paul for allowing me into your home, and sharing a little of 'Who you are'
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| Karens grandson Lincoln showing his cool new book "10 Tall Tales from South Taranaki Parks 4thekidz - Facebook page Tedz4thekidz - Facebook page |
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