School Children Benefit From Zoofari Initiative

School Children Benefit From Zoofari Initiative

16 May 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Close to 1,000 students from low decile schools in the Waikato region will be taking part in a learning programme at Hamilton Zoo thanks to a successful fundraising collaboration with The Warehouse.

During March, more than $23,000 was raised through The Warehouse Zoofari "Add a Dollar" campaign in 11 The Warehouse stores across the region. The funds will provide transport to give decile 1-3 schools an educational experience at Hamilton Zoo.

Hamilton Zoo Director Stephen Standley says the feedback from students who were able to visit through the Zoofari programme in 2015 has been very positive, and he is thrilled to be able to offer the experience to even more students this year.

“Last year our education team was able to host more than 700 students thanks to The Warehouse and the generosity of its customers, and we are pleased that we can increase the number this year following an even more successful campaign,” says Mr Standley.

“Transport costs have always been the major issue faced by schools. It is wonderful to have a programme available that enables us to remove this barrier and give children who may never have had the opportunity to visit the zoo and connect with wildlife, the chance to do so.”

The Warehouse Zoofari visits will be facilitated by the Hamilton Zoo Education Team who work with teachers to customise programmes that meet the learning needs of the students. Applications have already been made by eligible schools and visits are due to begin later this term.

The Warehouse Regional Community Champion and Cambridge Store Manager Melody Davis, says the success of the Zoofari campaign has come down to the huge support they’ve received from customers.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Hamilton Zoo, and thanks to the ongoing support from our customers and stores, even more young people can take part in this unique learning experience.”

The Warehouse Zoofari programme started at Auckland Zoo in 2013 and has now extended into Northland. The programme is also run at Wellington Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch.

ENDS

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