New life for red socks

April 2, 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

New life for red socks

Red socks have been something of a national lucky charm to unite Kiwis behind our sailors during major yachting regattas.

Now, that lucky trademark borrowed from one of the greatest heroes of the sport, the late Sir Peter Blake, is being revived through another aspect of his legacy – his crusade for the marine environment.

Many school children across the country will “wear the socks of a leader” tomorrow, on official Red Socks Day, to celebrate their new knowledge of marine ecosystems gained through the ‘Care for Our Coast’ programme.

Care for Our Coast is an initiative of the Sir Peter Blake Trust to demonstrate leadership in action and develop young environmental leaders who will continue Sir Peter’s efforts to improve the state of oceans and waterways.

After learning about marine ecosystems in the classroom, participants are sent out to local beaches and streams for a clean-up, wearing red socks, to make a small contribution to the work he started.

Sir Peter Blake Trust general manager Vicki Watson says it’s encouraging to see a new generation of New Zealanders wearing the red socks for a cause Sir Peter was so passionate about.

“The marine environment was one of Sir Peter’s greatest passions. Having sailed around the world five times, he was acutely aware of the deterioration of our oceans and the important role water plays in our quality of life.

“Care for Our Coast aims to encourage schools and communities to pick up Sir Peter’s mantle to work and work to protect New Zealand’s coastline – which is the eighth longest in the world.”

Since the programme was launched in 2004, 9125 people have been involved in Care for Our Coast clean-ups, collecting 150,962 pieces of rubbish from across 35 beaches that would otherwise have become marine debris.

“Every small step counts and the main thing is that students will take this knowledge with them and we hope they will be empowered to keep making a difference later in life.”

This year, 50 schools are involved in the Care for Our Coast programme, which is run through the science and social studies curriculum for year 9 and 10 students and has another resource geared towards primary school students in years 4-8.

Pippa, Lady Blake says her late husband would be delighted to know that his red socks had a new life with school children.

 “Peter always liked to have fun in whatever he did, so a new generation having a Red Socks Days in his name would make him smile. He’d be chuffed to think all those children were learning about him and being inspired to wear the socks of a leader.”

Sir Peter Blake Trust red socks can be purchased through the trust website www.sirpeterblaketrust.org or online from Line 7.

ENDS

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