Winetasting fundraiser boosts charity coffers

SUPPORT: Red Cross Wairarapa area councillor Elaine Brazendale (left), Red Cross volunteer Barbara Love, Peppers Parehua manager Stacey Cameron, Red Cross volunteer Brian Love and Bronwyn Knutson from Mantra Group, at Peppers Parehua's fundraising event. PHOTO/PATRICIA HIGGINSON

A Martinborough estate pitched in to help raise funds for the Red Cross on Wednesday night with a winetasting that featured drops from the region.

Peppers Parehua raised $500 for the charity's Wairarapa Branch, with local and visiting winemakers donating their wine and time to run the tasting.

Forty-five people attended the fundraiser, with winemakers from Escarpment, Palliser Estate, Johner Estate, Ash Ridge and Arapai Wines.

Peppers Parehua general manager Stacey Cameron said the estate was among many properties owned by the Mantra Group, which in this financial year had raised $9000 for the Red Cross.

Red Cross Wairarapa area councillor Elaine Brazendale said the money raised at the winetasting would be channelled back to the Wairarapa community.

The Red Cross provides a transport service which takes Wairarapa residents to medical appointments both in and outside the region. The charity also has a group that knits garments which are distributed to the community, mainly through schools and the Whaiora Maori health service.

Mrs Brazendale said there were about 250 Red Cross volunteers in the region.

"On any one day of the week one or more will be doing something to contribute or provide a service to the community."

Volunteers in Martinborough and Masterton deliver meals on wheels, while in Carterton Red Cross members shop for residents at Carter Court.

The meet and greet directory desk in the foyer of Wairarapa Hospital is run by volunteers of the charity, which also offers mobility equipment.

Mrs Brazendale, who is also a Carterton district councillor, will step down as the Red Cross Wairarapa area councillor at the end of this month after six years in the role.

She has been a member of Red Cross since 1982 and will continue to serve the charity.