Katikati College head girl Danni Roberts is gearing up for a six-month stint at an orphanage in Malawi, Africa, from January next year, where she'll be teaching English and generally helping to look after the children.
Danni's trip is organised through Lattitude Global Volunteering - an international volunteering and gap year placement organisation.
The 17-year-old says she wasn't sure what she wanted to do but had wanted to go to an orphanage and help her whole life.
"I just love doing that stuff and my passion is helping people."
The trip will cost $8000. Danni has until the end of this month to raise the money.
Robert Harris Coffee Roasters owner, Eric Williams and manager, Petra Glossop are keen to give the venture a final push to help their co-worker get to Malawi. Monday through Friday next week (November 26-30) Eric will donate 50 cents from every cup of coffee sold towards Danni's fundraising.
Next Friday in a fitting finale to the fundraising campaign, the cafe will run a tombolo where for an extra $1 customers will be eligible for a prize.
Danni will be working at the cafe on Thursday and Friday next week and is looking forward to giving out prizes.
In August, Petra and partner Mark Vibert took part in the Taupo Mizuno Half Marathon to raise funds for Danni. The couple completed the event in a time of 2h 19m and raised $1865. Some of the money will enable Danni to take equipment to schools in Malawi.
Danni has also been fundraising and organised a concert at Katikati College, "Music for Malawi"; the Katikati Folk Club ran a charity concert; the Y12 leadership group did a fundraiser; with donations from the Katikati Lions and Rotary Clubs, individuals and local companies and businesses. Danni was awarded scholarships at the Katikati College prizegiving which she says have been put towards her trip.
With about $1000 to go to reach her target it's hoped next week's campaign will get her there.
Danni leaves for Malawi on January 2.
