SNN_August 2022 Issue_web low res

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 15
such as Silky saws, Robuso dress making scissors and
shears full time. … He started saying ‘yes’ to any blade
brought in (and then would learn the skills needed for
that particular tool). Now if it has a sharp edge, Cyril can
keep it sharp.
Enter Hans and his kitchen knife and “what do you do?”
… Cyril was genuinely interested in what NZST does and
the community they support. Hans gave him a copy of
Spinal Network News from his car.
On Hans’ second visit to ‘Sharpen Up’ Cyril asked “Can I
raise some money for you?” He decided to spread the word
about NZST amongst his customers—in amongst the
banter there’s an ask—and he collects donations, even
though he has no personal connection to SCI. Cyril
reckons 35–40 percent of his customers donate a little—
usually it’s the change they were due. Then he and his
wife Sandie personally match their customers’ donations.
They had a goal to donate $1,000 in their first 12 months
… and they’ve blown that out of the water.
Although Covid has slowed things down a bit, they’re
expecting business (and donations) to build again—and
they’re looking forward to it. When asked why they
decided to do this, Cyril and Sandie said they are
comfortably set up and they like to help people—
especially when they can see they’re helping themselves.
“I’d like this article to encourage other businesses to do
the same”—Cyril’s always looking for a way to nudge
others to give too.
www.fitch.nz
SKILLED: Cyril is handy with knives.
DONATION BOX: Cyril's way of helping the NZST.