Lying awake one night wishing she'd read more as a child, author and TV presenter Sonya Wilson was struck with an idea that would change the course of Christmas for not just her own family, but also thousands more across Aotearoa.
The mum of two recalls it was while she was sleeplessly trying to re-write a short story for her postgraduate creative writing coursework.
"It was 3am and I was turning the words over in my head, cursing that I hadn't read more and didn't have a wider literary background to draw on," says Sonya, 44, who's worked as a reporter, presenter and producer on programmes including One News and Q+A.
"That got me thinking how beneficial and mind-expanding reading is for kids, and how privileged my own are to grow up in a household full of books. Through no fault of their own, so many grow up without them. It seemed so unfair."
She pledged to herself to buy and donate children's books that Christmas to worthy causes, and persuaded family and friends to do the same, offering to deliver them on their behalf. She encouraged people to buy works by New Zealand authors and to shop at local bookshops.
As word spread, donations of enticing titles came in thick and fast, and boxes of them piled up in Sonya's Auckland home. Luckily, her husband Pete Ritchie and sons Art, 11, and Hector, nine, were understanding of the storage arrangement dominating their hallway.
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin November 14, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin November 14, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills