“Those families had a very stressful 2023 and it is heart-warming that R&V contributes to helping them in such a tangible way.
“As a region we are on a steep path to recovery and support like this makes a huge difference.
“We received a $15m contribution from the Government to lift about 170 homes after last year’s flooding, and this R&V money will go a long way to help those families who have to move out whilst the work is done.”
One of the main fundraising initiatives included the festival’s innovative Comp by Donation, which in recent years has turned its complimentary tickets into fundraisers. Recipients of complimentary tickets are required to donate to redeem their tickets.
Festival partners One NZ, Pals, Red Bull, Steinlager, Zeffer, Malibu, Jameson, Crocs, The Edge and George FM each contributed towards the funds also, via paying the donation for their allocation of complimentary festival tickets.
Five dollars was also donated for every discounted Club Gisborne ticket, which was reserved for locals only.
Each year, the festival brings an estimated spending increase of more than $6 million to Gisborne’s economy (according to the most recent economic report from 2018).
Each year, over $750,000 is spent on local employment during the event, with a quarter of a million dollars spent on hotel and motel rooms from festival packages alone.
A further $100,000 goes directly to homeowners for staff, sponsors and attendee house accommodation.
The presentation of the cheque coincided with Bell running the First Light Half-Marathon, which took place over the weekend.
“My brother who lives in Denmark organises it,” he said.
“After making him run the R&V ‘marathon’ over three days a few years back, it was only fair that I attempt his marathon.
“I’m proud of what my brother has achieved. It was such an amazing event — and that R&V has once again helped put Gisborne on the map globally.”
Other marathons organised by the Danish company, Albatros Adventure Marathons, take place at the Great Wall of China, an Iceland volcano, and the African savanna.
Tickets for Rhythm and Vines go on sale next Tuesday, January 30. All of the main campgrounds are expected to sell out during the presale. Presale information is available from rhythmandvines.co.nz
