Join the Gravity Gives Project and jump to save the children

Calling all seasoned and budding skydivers and bungy jumpers!

This is your chance to take the plunge of a lifetime and raise funds for Save the Children New Zealand through the Gravity Gives Project on the 28th and 29th of April 2012.

Whether through drought, conflict, poverty or natural disasters, children are often the ones who suffer most.

The Gravity Gives Project is an attempt to bring skydivers and bungy jumpers together from all around the world to champion the successes that Save the Children has worked so hard for and to give the charity a shot of adrenaline as we continue to create a better future for children.

The Gravity Gives Project is fun and inspirational yet has a serious mission to improve the lives of vulnerable children, said Save the Children New Zealand CEO Liz Gibbs.

“Bungy jumping started here and is part of New Zealand’s culture of adventure – and what could be a better feeling than doing something this exhilarating to help save a child’s life,” said Ms Gibbs.

Remember - this event isn’t just for extreme sports enthusiasts. If this is the year when you’ve decided to harness yourself to a bungy cord or jump out of an airplane for the first time, why not use the moment to also change the life of a child. Your leap of faith couldn’t be more meaningful.

And if jumping from great heights just isn’t your thing - but creating a better future for children is – why not challenge a friend, colleague or family member who loves a thrill.

You can sign up to any skydive or bungy jump centre in New Zealand – either as an individual or as a team. Register for the event today and spread the word.

For more information visit www.gravitygivesproject.com

Notes to editors

New Zealand supporters

In New Zealand, two companies are proactively supporting the Gravity Gives Project:

• The Mokai Gravity Canyon near Taihape (www.gravitycanyon.co.nz); and
• Thrillseekers Adventures in Hanmer Springs (www.thrillseekers.co.nz)

Thrillseekers Adventures is offering a 30% discount to anyone who wants to jump in support of this event.

If your adventure company would like to participate, please contact Genea Instone at Save the Children New Zealand on 021 193 3354 today.


Six easy steps to joining the Gravity Gives Project 2012

• Contact the skydive or bungy jump centre of your choice and book your spot on the 28th or 29th of April 2012
• Register online at www.gravitygivesproject.com and create your own participants page
• Use the features in your participant page to send messages to people you know and ask them to pledge you for your jump
• People who wish to support you can send a pledge through PayPal directly to Gravity Gives Project’s account using your participant page
• Track your progress towards your fundraising goal and send updates to your supporters
• Jump to save the children on either the 28th or 29th of April 2012


Further information

Why was the Gravity Gives Project established?
The Gravity Gives Project was established in 2009 by Greg Nelson in Canada. Greg would often see major charity events where people would do everyday things such as walking, running, biking or golfing. As a long term participant in the skydiving and bungy communities he saw a high spirit of caring, unity and a genuine desire to help other people in many of the people he engaged with. He wanted to harness this spirit and encourage these people to work collectively to help those less fortunate than themselves.

Is there a minimum fundraising amount that I have to collect?
Yes. Individuals must raise a minimum of $100 US (approx $120 New Zealand). Teams of 2-3 must raise a minimum of $250 US (approx $300 New Zealand) and teams of 4 or more must raise a minimum of $500 US (approx $600 New Zealand).

Can I pledge money to the Gravity Gives Project without jumping?
Yes. You can support someone else who is planning to jump.

When do I pledge my money?
You must pledge your money online at www.gravitygivesproject.com by 20 April 2012

Is Gravity Gives Project keeping a percentage of donations?
No. The Board of Directors for Gravity Gives Project as well as the Founder do not get paid any salary and are strictly volunteers. Any operational or promotional costs will be covered by sponsorships.

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