The Warehouse stores fundraise to help students visit Wellington Zoo

Customers shopping at The Warehouse this March will be able to help children from low decile schools visit Wellington Zoo – many for the first time.

In-store fundraising for The Warehouse Wellington Zoofari 2017 begins in Wellington, Marlborough and Tasman stores on 16 March 2016 and runs for two weeks.

The Warehouse Wellington Zoofari is a partnership between Wellington Zoo and The Warehouse Group, which began in 2013 with the aim of making Zoo learning more accessible.

Now in its third year, the programme has been wildly successful, thanks to the generosity of The Warehouse customers donating at the till while shopping. By the end of 2016, nearly 5,500 students from 38 low-decile schools in Wellington and Tasman will have visited the Zoo to enjoy a hands-on, nature-based learning experience.

“The Warehouse Wellington Zoofari is a fantastic initiative. It’s wonderful to see so many young people in the Zoo who wouldn’t necessarily be able to visit otherwise,” said Lynn Allan, Wellington Zoo Learning Experience Manager.

“It’s great that The Warehouse customers can help some of their local schools visit the Zoo and that the kids can connect with animals. All Kiwi kids deserve to experience the joy of getting close to animals, and the unique learning environment at Wellington Zoo is perfect for providing a deeper understanding of wildlife and conservation.”

“Our community have raised over $70,000 for The Warehouse Wellington Zoofari over the last three years, and we’re hoping they can help us to send even more kids to the Zoo in 2017,” said Alicia Harris, Wellington Zoo Partnerships Manager.

Thanks to generous The Warehouse customers, over 2,000 students from 18 low-decile schools are taking part in the programme in 2016: Avalon Primary School, He Huarahi Tamariki, Rangikura School, Te Ara Whanui Kura Kaupapa Māori, Cannons Creek School, Naenae Primary School, Porirua School, Russell School, Tairangi School, Titahi Bay North School, Koraunui School, Taita College, Titiro Whakamua Teen Parent Unit and Early Childhood Education, St Joseph's School, Porirua East School, Pomare School, Rata Street School, Taita Central School.

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