23 November 2007

The sky’s no limit for one local fundraiser

Julie Yeo, recent winner of “Queenstown’s Ultimate Community Champion” award, a community initiative from Nzone, is challenging New Zealanders to rise up against family violence - literally.

Family violence is a topic close to Ms Yeo’s heart.  She won the Ultimate Community Champion award for her contribution to the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network, facilitating the Teenage Abuse Programme (TAP) at local high schools and co-ordinating related fundraising events within the Wakatipu area.

As part of her prize, Ms Yeo won a 15,000ft tandem skydive from Nzone.  Understandably nervous about throwing herself out of a plane, she’s bravely opted to dedicate her jump to raise awareness about family violence within the Wakatipu region and raise invaluable funds for the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network.

She hopes people will take action against family violence by supporting her skydive.

“There are a number of ways people can lend their support.  Nzone is very kindly offering a 10% discount off all skydives to encourage people to jump with me on Saturday 15 December (weather permitting, reserve day Sunday 16 December).  From each of these skydives, Nzone will donate $30 to the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network.  Willing skydivers need to register their interest in jumping with me by calling me on 03 442 7105 by 5 December.

“Alternatively people can sponsor my skydive, and all proceeds go to the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network.  Businesses can even donate a trip, adventure activity or any other gifts which will be used to raise funds early next year.”

The Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network is an independent local non-government agency offering support, interventions and advocacy to victims and survivors of family violence and sexual abuse. 

Over the past year statistics show an 85.4% increase in victims of family violence (from 97 to 179).  Unfortunately it is predicted that these figures will continue to rise.

ENDS

How you can help

Financial contributions and fundraising are vital to providing support to the people the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network helps.  Any contributions - no matter how big or small - are gratefully received.

You can either pledge a sponsorship donation to Julie Yeo via email yeojulie@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 442 7105 or 03 442 7145.  Julie will collect the pledged amounts after her successful skydive.  Alternatively, you could donate a trip, adventure activity or any other gift which will be used to raise funds next year.

In return for your sponsorship, your company name would be included in:

·         Logo on the T-shirt Julie will be wearing on the day

·         All media releases or other written material

·         Acknowledgement of sponsors in all media interviews

 
ends

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