Organisers said this year's support of Te Whakapono Trust continued Raggamuffin's two-year association. Last year Raggamuffin raised about $5000 for a Rotovegas Youth Health centre project and this year funds raised will go toward purchase of ultra-sound technology at Rotorua Hospital. This equipment helps ease pain and distress caused to kidney dialysis patients locating access to veins.
The money will be raised via Raggamuffin tattoos and donations through AWOP cards.
The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) provides care and support to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
The group's work is critical in educating families, law enforcement authorities, and others about domestic violence. Promoters visited Samoa for Raggamuffin Samoa last year and they saw first-hand the vital and often dangerous work done by this dedicated group of volunteers. When cyclone Evan destroyed their Apia office, their resolve to support this group became even stronger.
Raggamuffin will run a series of auctions on Trade Me that will include Pacific VIP tickets and artwork donated by artists who can be seen at work at the event in the Raggamuffin Art Zone. All proceeds will go directly to SVSG.