Arrest a Celeb

Ever wanted to see Carl Hoeft behind bars? Or bail out 'Toni' from Shortland Street? Friday 28 March will give you the opportunity to do both when the RNZFB holds a slightly "wacky" fundraiser for the 2003 Guide Dog Appeal in Dunedin.

Called "Arrest-a-Celeb" it involves Dunedin police officers (who have donated their time) arresting local and national celebrities for offences such as nose picking, impersonating doctors and wearing their pyjamas in public.

The 'celebs' who have donated their time to the cause are: Kelvin Lewis (Treasure Island Extreme), Imogen Ovens (Lotto), Malcolm Farry (City Councillor), Laura Hill and Roy Snow (Toni and Matt from Shortland St), Carl Hoeft (Highlanders), Gordon Sanderson (local Ophthalmologist and RNZFB Trustee) and local personalities Barbara Brinsley, Pamela Farry and Ruth Coghill.

The “convicts” will be arrested by the police and taken to the Meridian Mall where they will be detained in a constructed jail cell for all to see. While they all know they are being arrested, the ‘whys and wheres’ are over to the Police, so it could come as a bit of a surprise to some, particularly if they aren’t dressed to face the world

Jeanette Manson, Divisional Manager Fundraising says, "“It’s going to be a huge amount of fun – word on the street has it that even under arrest they have no intention of behaving.”

"Sing-a-longs, arguing their innocence with the Police (and anyone else who will listen), arm wrestling and a jail break are all likely. The challenge will start when the 'celebs' use their cellphones to call people to come down and bail them out.”

"Classic Hits (89.4FM) in Dunedin will be broadcasting live throughout the event encouraging the public to get involved as well.”

"The aim is to raise more than $25,000 - all from the participants buying their freedom."

Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall, who is 'leading the charge' on behalf of the NZ Police says, "Some determined sleuthing has brought to light the dark secrets of some well-known people in this town. All I can say at this point is that we’re looking forward to apprehending them before their misdemeanours get out of hand”.

The event will take place between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday 28 March at the Dunedin Meridian Mall and all are welcome to come along and bail out their favourite 'celeb' to raise money for the Guide Dog Appeal.

The RNZFB would like to thank all the celebrities for their support and enthusiasm and the following sponsors Carters, Classic Hits, the NZ Police, Resene, the Tower House, DW Hasler Builders, the Meridian Mall and Vino Vena - without all of their help this event would not have been possible.

The cost of breeding, raising, training and matching a guide dog is $22,500, which is funded by public donations, legacies, corporate sponsorship and offshore sales - Guide Dog Services receive no government funding.

Without public support, the Foundation would be unable to provide its members with guide dogs and other essential services for blind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.

If you would like to make a donation and miss our collectors (who will be out from Friday 28 - Sunday 30 March) then please phone 0800 DONATE (0800 66 283) or donate online at http://www.rnzfb.org.nz.

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