Whakatane RSA gifts $5500 after cyclone fundraiser

BROTHERS IN ARMS: Whakatane RSA executive member Raharuhi Koia (left) is thanked by Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes and Gisborne manager David Sly for his club’s $5500 donation, inspired by Cyclone Gabrielle. Picture by Liam Clayton

It isn’t quite singing for your supper.

But the Whakatane RSA Karaoke Adjunct, in the spirit of RSA camaraderie and mindful of the havoc wreaked by Cyclone Gabrielle, have raised $5500 for the Gisborne RSA.

Whakatane RSA executive member and former Gisborne man Raharuhi Koia is the inspiration behind the successful fundraising campaign.

“I grew up in Gisborne,” he said.

“When we heard about the cyclone, like everybody else in New Zealand, we had to do something to show support.”

The funds were raised in one day, from noon to 8pm with karaoke, quick fire raffles, spot prizes, a barbecue and other activities. We had a packed crowd all day.

“We have a great RSA.”

Sponsors supported the event and the RSA delivered leaflets around Whakatane to promote it.

Mr Koia set an original target of $2000 but says the Whakatane community got behind the campaign.

“People gave out of their hearts and a sense of being Kiwis, just great Kiwis.”

Mr Koia is an enthusiastic member of the karaoke adjunct.

“I love to sing,” he said.

“I sing the classics — Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Elvis Presley.”

There is no official relationship between the two RSAs, but that may change as a result of the fundraiser, said Mr Koia.

Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes said he was personally familiar with the Whakatane RSA and thanked them for their donation.

The funding will go to the Gisborne RSA’s welfare work.

There were a few returned service personnel being looked after, Mr Jukes said.

“But it’s the ones under the radar you have to watch out for.

“We will be watching out carefully.

“You find a soldier who comes home and asks for help — it’s a rarity.”