Fireworks to Ignite Fundraising Challenge

It’s not often that firefighters encourage someone to deliberately light a fuse and cause explosions, but that’s exactly what Frankton’s volunteer brigade members are doing with their novel fundraiser for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

The Frankton volunteers are taking part in next year’s Sky Tower Challenge, where teams of firefighters run up 51 flights of stairs to the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower wearing full firefighting gear. As well as being a punishing test of fitness, the challenge raises money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Frankton volunteer firefighter Bill Falcone, who also happens to be the mastermind behind the Queenstown New Year’s fireworks, had the brainwave of auctioning off the right to “press the big red button” and ignite this year’s display.

He and his team-mates are hoping that by offering the unforgettable experience, they will attract bidders from around the country and raise several thousand dollars for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

“This fundraiser has taken off like a skyrocket,” Bill says. “Air New Zealand has generously offered two return flights to Queenstown from anywhere in New Zealand if the person who wins the auction doesn’t live in the district, and other businesses are coming on board to give the winner a really amazing experience. That’s even before they get the thrill of igniting a ten minute fireworks display that will leave them breathless.”

The auction is being conducted on TradeMe, which has kindly waived its fee for the sale. The prize includes:

• Return flights to Queenstown for two people

• Two nights’ accommodation in Queenstown

• Welcome and introduction on stage at Earnslaw Park during the entertainment leading up to midnight

• Announcing the 10-second count-down to midnight

• Pressing the big red button onstage to ignite the fireworks display, including the choice of opening salvo

• Shotover Jet ride for two

• Dinner at Ivy and Lola’s for two

• Airport transfers with Queenstown Taxis

• A meal from Fergburger

Mayor Vanessa van Uden said Queenstown Lakes District Council had no hesitation in aligning its New Year’s Eve celebrations with such a worthy cause. “Volunteer firefighters give back to our community every day, and we’re very happy to be able to support them in this way with their unique fundraiser.”

Ian Collier, Air New Zealand’s Regional Affairs Manager, said the airline was similarly pleased to lend its support to the Frankton volunteer firefighters. “We are very happy to be able to help with this very worthy cause.”

The auction opened at 2pm today on TradeMe and will close at 9.30pm on Monday 28 December.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1003407407

ENDS

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