Media release
May 12, 2011

Telethon appeals to school spirit

Kids love a good telethon so to help raise a little community spirit, schools all over New Zealand are being urged to get behind the Rise Up – Te Kotahitanga Telethon on May 22.

Organisers of the telethon, which is raising desperately needed funds for the Government’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, hope Kiwi kids will get involved.

They say young people can take up the chance to join the various Rise Up Christchurch events taking place across the country, or take it on themselves to organise their own community activity.

Event spokesperson Brooke Howard-Smith says the feel-good vibe from telethons is contagious.

“Young people can really get stuck in and see the fruits of their generosity, meet famous faces, develop enterprising fundraising activities – and bring joy to all who take part. Kids have great imaginations and can be relied on to come up with some excellent and fun ideas for fundraising.

“As a starter we have sent out material to school principals across New Zealand with ideas on how the kids can get involved in the event,” Mr Howard-Smith says.

Telethon events are happening in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, kicking off at 9am on May 22 in Auckland and Wellington, and 11am in Christchurch.

Mr Howard-Smith is encouraging youngsters to start their fundraising now and, if they live in one of the three Telethon main centres, to bring their teams and their proceeds along to their local event on May 22.

Schools that aren’t based in or near the event centres are encouraged to get involved in the fundraising efforts and submit their videos and activity updates for inclusion on the Telethon Facebook page.

Ideas include running a cake stall, organising students versus teachers events, challenging friends, relatives and celebrities to do silly things, and telling Facebook friends about their activities and encouraging them to do their own fundraising.

“We’ve heard of kids organising their school band or glee club to do a concert and charge admission. Why not turn the school gate into a toll road after school or run a video games marathon session and charge admission?” Mr Howard-Smith says.

Schools that think they have a particularly cool fundraising idea should send an email to info@riseup.org.nz. Simply put “Schools” in the subject line and include a brief description of your school, where it is based, what you are planning to do and on what day – who knows, it could get your school on telly!

More telethon ideas can be found online at www.riseup.org.nz

In other news, telethon supporter Fonterra has confirmed its staff and shareholders will be collecting on the streets from Thursday May 19 in local town centres. All proceeds go to the Government’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust so please give generously Mr Howard-Smith says.

What’s on?
The organisers of the Rise Up Christchurch –Te Kotahitanga Telethon have released more details about events and venues on Sunday May 22. Entry is free but a donation to the appeal is requested.

Auckland
• Venue: The Trusts Stadium, 65-67 Central Park Drive, Henderson.
• Time: 9am-6pm
• Watch your favourite artists perform – Young Sid, Dane Rumble, Midnight Youth and more
• See your favourite stars from hit TV shows Shortland St, Go Girls and Outrageous Fortune compete on an extreme obstacle course for the Canterbury Relief Games
• Presenters include Jay Reeves, Pippa Wetzell, Ali Williams, Dave Gibson and more

Wellington
• Venue: Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington
• Time: 9am-9pm
• Watch the Rise Up fashion challenge starring celebrities and well-known Kiwi designers.
• See Candy Lane challenge the most unlikely of celebrities to a Telethon dance off

Christchurch
Official home of the Rise Up Christchurch –Te Kotahitanga Telethon
• Venue: CBS Canterbury Arena, Jack Hinton Drive, Addington
• Time: 11am-9pm
• See your favourite Kiwis including Rachel Hunter, Mike McRoberts and Jason Gunn
• Watch performances from musicians such as OpShop, Six60 and Kids of 88.
• Watch a fashion show featuring Nicky Watson, Sally Ridge and more
• Meet Mayor Bob Parker.

More activity and artists are to be revealed soon

ENDS

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