A yearly effort by a group of law tauira to fundraise for Dunedin-Ōtepoti Whānau Refuge has reached new heights, with over fifty volunteers, five events, and plans to match last year’s $35,000 raised. Critic Te Ārohi sat down with Meg, the woman in charge of helping to co-ordinate this year’s appeal.
Meg explained to Critic that the fundraising committee has been running for six years, “and it just gets bigger every year”. At the time of print, three of the five planned events have occurred. A classic bake sale, and a pub quiz at The Bog were the first two events – tried and true staples in the fundraising world. The other was the Sample Sale, where local businesses donate end of season and sample clothes – with a large share of designer clothes up for grabs. The Sample Sale has been a hit for students in particular, with over five hundred people marking their interest in attending online. This is an example of the variety of unique events the committee has organised over the years.
All funds go towards the Dunedin-Ōtepoti Whānau Refuge, which provides wrap-around support, accommodation and safety to whānau facing violence in their homes. Meg said working alongside the fundraising committee, and the Refuge themselves has been rewarding, “they're really amazing, and it's very cool to see [the events] actually come to fruition”.
This year's fundraising drive has extra meaning too – the committee is working hard to raise enough to establish a 24/7 Crisis Hotline. Meg explained that this means that the Whānau Refuge can be reached at “any time, any day, Christmas, New Year – any day at all”. Last year, a whopping $35k was raised for the refuge, and sights are set to meet or even surpass this number.
The committee are deep into planning for the last two events, with a gig that will be of particular interest to students. Dunedin-scene legends IVY are taking the stage, alongside up-and-coming bands Ammonita and Minerva. Taking place on the 19th of September (“if people want a cheaper ticket than Southern Sounds”, joked Meg), at Pearl Diver from 9PM. Tickets are only $10 online, or $15 at the door. But get in quick – it’s a line up you won’t want to miss.
The other event in the works is the committee’s biggest event: the charity auction. Taking place on the 19th of September, the Toītu Settlers Museum will be transformed into a gala, auctioning away gifts and experiences from Dunedin businesses, all for the Whānau Refuge. While out of budget for many students, Critic is sure it’ll be a hit for those with big-kid money wanting to give back to the community.
For the organising committee, it’s been a huge team effort, with planning starting all the way back in January. Each event has about “ten to fifteen people on their own teams who are doing a lot of the emailing and the admin” explained Meg. It’s an impressive drive from law students, who always manage to lead some of the busiest lives on campus.
With a few months left on the fundraising drive, now’s the perfect chance to show your support to the Dunedin-Ōtepoti Whānau Refuge. To keep up to date with the rest of the appeal, you can follow their Instagram @whanau_refuge_campaign. See you at the gig!
