Using coffee filters, clothes pins, and a little love, six-year-olds from Saltus Cavendish brightened the lunch hour for Agape House residents yesterday.

The start of the Chinese New Year prompted the class to make Chinese butterflies by colouring coffee filters and fastening them with clothes pins.

The five Primary 2 students attached messages of good luck and hope for the eight terminally ill residents at the hospice.

The colourful butterflies were placed on the residents' lunch trays. Teacher Mrs. Susan Vallis said the work was part of a class project about China, through which the stu dents learned Chinese words, includ ing, "Kung Hee Fat Choy,'' or "Happy New Year''.

"We do welcome groups that come and show us what they've done,'' said hospice coordinator Mrs. Hilary Soares. Because Agape House is a residence for the terminally ill, "we don't welcome groups that come simply to look''.

Mrs. Soares said visits by children benefit both the residents and the young people.

"Children are remarkably resilient -- they're also very giving,'' Mrs. Soares said. "They are perhaps closer to their spirituality than they will be at any time in the future.

"They're also non-judgmental,'' and give the residents "a little something to hope for''.

KUNG HEE FAT CHOY! (HAPPY NEW YEAR!) -- The Chinese New Year began yesterday, and Primary 2 students from Saltus Cavendish made Chinese butterflies for Agape House residents. In front, from left, are Amy Smith,Jeryca Dillas, Teron Seymour, Ryan Loftus, and Moritz Weber. In the back, from left, are hospice volunteer Ms Ann Loftus, volunteer coordinator Ms Jacqueline Horsfield, and cook Mrs. June Thomas.