Winter Fundraising in Speedos

Raising funds for Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand (AIANZ) comes with a twist this year, as the organisation’s Fundraising Manager collects for Amnesty in nothing but his Speedos and gumboots in central Auckland tomorrow.

As part of Amnesty New Zealand’s annual fundraising drive, Freedom Week, Fundraising Manager Sam Healey-Cunningham is Fundraising with Dare to help defend people around the world whose human rights have been abused.

“This year Freedom Week is more than just a street appeal. It’s about taking freedom into our own hands and celebrating the freedoms we enjoy here in New Zealand,” says Sam.

Through Sam’s “Speedos for Freedom” dare, he hopes to raise as much as he can in online sponsorships on his webpage, www.everydayhero.co.nz/sam_healeycunningham

“In New Zealand, I am free to collect for human rights. In some countries I’d be arrested and even tortured just for supporting an organisation like Amnesty International,” he adds.

Taking action for human rights came at a cost for Burmese comedian Zarganar, who led a fundraising initiative after Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar. He is now serving a 35-year prison sentence after he criticised the government’s handling of the relief efforts.

“It’s the people like Zarganar - who risk everything to stay true to their beliefs, opinions, religions or sexual orientations - that Amnesty exists to protect,” says Sam.

Amnesty is encouraging New Zealanders to protect others’ freedoms and make the most of theirs by Fundraising with a Dare, or hosting a Dinner for Dignity anytime throughout August. Visit www.freedomweek.org.nz to find out more.

Sam Healey-Cunningham will be collecting in his Speedos on the corner of Queen Street and Wyndham Street from 1pm on Friday 7 August.

For further information or comment, please contact Pui-yi Cheng on 09 303 4526 or 021 0267 4857.

ENDS