Bayfair Encourages Locals to Support Anzac’s 100

Oaty biscuits and red poppies combine to ignite a strong sense of patriotism – and, in recognition of 100 years of ANZAC, Bayfair Shopping Centre will this year become a local hub for remembering ANZAC troops that honourably fought for New Zealand’s freedom.

A poignant date in the Kiwi calendar, Bayfair Shopping Centre aims to create a large ‘100’, covered in locally-made poppies. From 7 April though to17 April, the shopping centre hosted in-centre poppy making stations where locals were invited to make their own personal flower as a tangible and public demonstration of their honour and remembrance for the troops. Poppy-making kits were provided by the centre and locals encouraged to write a personal message of which will be kept and displayed on ANZAC day.

In a compelling visual representation of respect, poppy-makers will then be able to personally plant their creations in a 2.4 metre high ‘100’ which is to be displayed in-centre until after ANZAC Day. Whether the message is to thank ANZAC troops, individuals they knew personally who fought in the World Wars, or to thank army personnel of today, all messages of remembrance and encouragement will be recognized.

Bayfair Shopping Centre marketing manager Kylie McGregor says that has a hub for the local community, it’s important to provide a place for locals to share their thanks and memories and a this visual representation of remembrance will be a tangible way to show the Bay of Plenty’s appreciation and respect.

“ANZAC Day is important in our kiwi calendar – this year even more so with it being the centenary celebrations. Tauranga has a great population of both elderly and young families, with many who have ancestors or personal associations with troops who were deployed for the World Wars. We are looking forward to providing our local shoppers with an activity that displays their personal appreciation of our country’s history.

“We want to involve everyone who’s able to in this community initiative as it’s important to us not only as a community, but as a country.”

Bayfair Shopping Centre will have1,750 poppies ready for local shoppers to personally craft in the three week period leading up to ANZAC Day, 2015.

ENDS

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