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YMCA Christchurch Staff 'Create a Wake' for Schools
PRESS RELEASE
YMCA Christchurch Staff 'Create a Wake' for Schools
On Sunday 3rd April, YMCA Wainui Park outdoor instructors braved the cool waters of Akaroa Harbour to undertake a massive personal challenge in order to raise money for Christchurch earthquake-damaged schools.
The swim, a distance of just under 5 kilometres, took the team 2 hours. Flanked by colleagues in kayaks and a rescue boat, the three staff determinedly set their course from Wainui beach to Akaroa beach first thing Sunday morning.
They were blessed with a beautiful sunny day and calm waters.
So far they have raised about $2,000 – and counting. Much of this has been donated by the families and friends of the Wainui staff – who come from all over the world. More funds were donated by onlookers on the day.
Canadian instructor Carly Schelberg managed the swim easily, despite getting a bit cold! “I felt really grateful and fortunate to be part of such a congenial team, to be surrounded by the beautiful NZ countryside, knowing that I had lots of love and support from family and friends back home. I am really looking forward to seeing some very deserving kids coming to Wainui soon!”
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The other two swimmers were Liane Batcher, a homegrown Kiwi, and Josh Christian from Germany. “It felt great to push myself out of my comfort zone for a good cause” Liane said, enthused at the end of the swim.
Josh only learnt how to swim freestyle a month ago, during his time in NZ. “It was an awesome opportunity for me to contribute to others, while trying to reach my own goals.”
The money raised will be used to fund adventure camps for schools which were badly damaged in the quake – particularly those in the Eastern suburbs. This is just one of a number of initiatives of the Christchurch YMCA to work with schools and community groups to help get children and young people back into a routine and have a bit of stress-free fun. Next weekend a fully YMCA- funded family camp is being held at Wainui for families who live in the Eastern suburbs – about 12 families (70 people) are expected to attend for a weekend of great food, family fun, outdoor adventure and relaxation.
The YMCA of Christchurch exists specifically to support the community – and in the current climate it has become more relevant than ever. “The positive side of this earthquake has been that it has been a catalyst to re-focus our organisation to do whatever we can to partner with other groups and create worthwhile projects within the community” said CEO Josie Ogden Schroeder.
In coming weeks a range of projects will be undertaken to raise funds for the YMCA of Japan – a country suffering in a way that all Cantabrians have acute empathy for.
YMCAs from around the world have donated over $90,000 to the YMCA Christchurch in order to enable community work to go ahead unhindered by financial barriers. “Times like these it feels great to be part of an international organisation. We will use the funds we've been donated to do things for children, young people and families in Christchurch. We will also do what we can to support the YMCA in Japan.” Ogden Schroeder said.
ENDS
YMCA
Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities
The Y has been in New Zealand for over 168 years, building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. There are 48 Y centres across New Zealand.
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