Project Island Song released 40 kakariki (red-crowned parakeets) on Moturua Island in 2017 – one of eight vulnerable species to be reintroduced to the pest-free sanctuary in the Bay of Islands. Photo / NZME
Project Island Song released 40 kakariki (red-crowned parakeets) on Moturua Island in 2017 – one of eight vulnerable species to be reintroduced to the pest-free sanctuary in the Bay of Islands. Photo / NZME
A fun Christmas fundraiser for Bay of Islands pest-free sanctuary Project Island Song is encouraging residents to get creative to entice donations.
The 12ks of Christmas for Project Island Song is a fledgling fundraiser for the charity, encouraging people to get sponsorship to walk or cycle up to 12km dailyon the first 12 days of December.
The campaign started last year with eight participants either walking 1km on day one and working up to 12km, or walking 12km each day – a total of 144km to represent the 144 islands in the Bay of Islands.
Fundraising manager Andy Boor said the inaugural event exceeded the $12,000 target, raising $15,000.
But this year, Northlanders had shown even more enthusiasm for the campaign, with 20 participants and the $12,000 target being exceeded on day three, he said.
A new target of $20,000 had been set that would help Project Island Song maintain its pest-free sanctuary on seven islands in the eastern Bay of Islands, he said.
Participants are also putting their creative spin on the fundraiser.
Cable Bay resident Joanne “Jo” Hay said she wanted to combine two things: her passion for Project Island Song and her annoyance at roadside litter.
For her fundraiser, Hay decided to pick up roadside litter on 1km of Oruru Rd each day, helping clean up the environment and enticing sponsorship.
The part-time teacher at Peria School said she particularly noticed the rubbish on the roadside because she cycled the 18km home from the rural school each workday.
Joanne Hay is picking up litter on 1km of Oruru Rd each day as part of The 12ks of Christmas for Project Island Song, hoping it will encourage people not to litter and to raise money for the charity.
The local community has been taking note of Hay’s efforts, showing appreciation by tooting and waving or sending messages on social media.
Another highlight was her husband Andy joining her from day six, so both sides of the road could be cleaned.
“I felt like I couldn’t do both sides of the road. As soon as he came along, we have been doing both sides and it feels so much better.”
Hay said she was pleased to discover her 12km challenge would end at the Bush Fairy Dairy on Friday, and she is thinking of having a small celebration there.
Jacqui Madelin, of Russell, is walking 12km each day in vintage clothing, although she is sticking with sensible hiking boots.
Boor said other people getting creative for The 12ks of Christmas fundraiser included Russell resident Cameron Lindley, who is running 12km at noon and 12km at midnight each day.
The most stylish participant is Jacqui Madelin, also of Russell, who is walking 12km each day in full vintage clothing, paired with sensible hiking boots.
Boor said the heat had been the most challenging part for most participants.
But the fundraiser is for a good cause, with all funds helping Project Island Song with its pest surveillance, species reintroductions, volunteer weed control and ongoing habitat restoration.
The charity relied on donations and grants; however, with grant funding becoming increasingly competitive, it was trying to increase the amount of money it got from community fundraising, Boor said.
Campaigns such as The 12ks of Christmas had the bonus of raising awareness about Project Island Song’s work, he said.
Another major fundraiser is the charity’s calendar, which features pin-ups of birds of the Bay of Islands.
Sponsorship for The 12ks of Christmas was being collected through Givealittle, with donations open until the end of December, Boor said.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
