07/10/2026
Sweet lessons in kindness: Rutherford students give back through baking
Over the past three weeks, students from Rutherford School have been baking up a storm alongside volunteers from Good Bi***es Baking (GBB) Whanganui, creating delicious treats while learning the importance of giving back to their community.
The baking programme has provided students with a hands-on opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of helping others through simple acts of kindness.
The first baking session saw students making chocolate cupcakes, which were carefully decorated in their school house colours. Once packaged and presented in beautifully decorated boxes, the cupcakes were delivered to Jigsaw Whanganui and the Whanganui City Mission, bringing a touch of sweetness to the day for staff, clients, and visitors.
The second baking session focused on traditional favourites, with students baking fresh cheese scones and custard tea biscuits. The delicious treats were then delivered to MIST and Alzheimer's Whanganui, where they were warmly received by recipients and support teams alike.
Throughout each session, students follow recipes, measure ingredients, prepare and bake the goods, decorate the delivery boxes, and package everything ready for distribution. The process not only teaches valuable baking skills but also helps students understand the positive impact even small gestures can have on others.
More importantly, the programme has fostered meaningful connections between GBB volunteers and the students. Through baking together, students have gained a greater understanding of community service and the importance of supporting people who may be facing challenges and could benefit from a little kindness and sweetness in their day.
Good Bi***es Baking Whanganui greatly appreciates the opportunity to work alongside the students and support staff at Rutherford School. Head Bitch Tania Taylor and GBB committee members have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the students, watching their confidence grow, seeing their enthusiasm in the kitchen, and sharing the values of kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
"The students have embraced every part of the process, from mixing and baking through to decorating and packaging the treats," said Tania. "It's rewarding to see them take pride in what they create and understand the difference their baking can make to someone else's day."
The partnership has been a valuable experience for everyone involved, combining practical learning with community service and creating lasting connections along the way.
With two successful baking sessions completed, GBB is looking forward to returning in Term 4 for a third and final bake of the year, helping to finish the school year on a high note while continuing to spread kindness throughout the Whanganui community.
For Good Bi***es Baking and Rutherford School alike, these sessions have shown that a batch of baking can be much more than a recipe. It can be an opportunity to learn, connect, and make someone's day a little brighter.
Pictured: Rutherford Intermediate students show off their baking ready to give
to local charities.
