Young leaders eschew ‘Apprentice’ model in donations race

Wellington, 24 November 2008. – Teams of young leaders in an Apprentice-type race to raise funds for UNICEF were quick to change the rules and increase productivity.

The 37 young leaders from New Zealand and Asia raised money for UNICEF safe water projects in Laos as part of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Young Leaders Forum in Wellington (16-22 November).

Their challenge was to compete in teams of six to come up with the most innovative fundraising ideas and maximise their income. But instead of competing against each other, participants quickly realised they could generate more donations by working together as a single team. Organising themselves like a mini-corporation, they divided up the key jobs and together raised more than $13,000 for UNICEF.

Fundraising activities included selling UNICEF Christmas cards, selling bottled water donated by Waiwera Artisan Water, sponsorship by Ecostore of a public service video with editing by Gardyne Holt, and online fundraising. An auction of paintings with a water theme painted by children from Karori Normal School contributed well over $2,000 to the fundraising total. The public were also asked to try their luck at table tennis, playing against two of the young leaders who are New Zealand representatives.

UNICEF Executive Director Dennis McKinlay says that the young leaders really pulled out all the stops to make the fundraising challenge a success.

“I was amazed by their ingenuity, initiative and energy during the challenge. When some of the team visited our office it was like we had been hit by a tornado of enthusiasm.

“We would like to thank all of the young leaders for their hard work and efforts in supporting UNICEF’s life-changing projects in Laos that are bringing safe drinking water to schools and villages.

“The ready availability of safe water improves children’s health and boosts school attendance rates.”

Mr McKinlay also thanked the Asia New Zealand Foundation for selecting UNICEF to be involved in the fundraising challenge.

“We look forward to developing this relationship and continuing to work closely in the future for the benefit of children.”

ENDS

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