23 November 2007
The sky’s no limit for one local fundraiser
Julie Yeo, recent winner of “Queenstown’s Ultimate Community Champion” award, a community initiative from Nzone, is
challenging New Zealanders to rise up against family violence - literally.
Family violence is a topic close to Ms Yeo’s heart. She won the Ultimate Community Champion award for her contribution
to the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network, facilitating the Teenage Abuse Programme (TAP) at local high schools and
co-ordinating related fundraising events within the Wakatipu area.
As part of her prize, Ms Yeo won a 15,000ft tandem skydive from Nzone. Understandably nervous about throwing herself
out of a plane, she’s bravely opted to dedicate her jump to raise awareness about family violence within the Wakatipu
region and raise invaluable funds for the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network.
She hopes people will take action against family violence by supporting her skydive.
“There are a number of ways people can lend their support. Nzone is very kindly offering a 10% discount off all
skydives to encourage people to jump with me on Saturday 15 December (weather permitting, reserve day Sunday 16
December). From each of these skydives, Nzone will donate $30 to the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network. Willing
skydivers need to register their interest in jumping with me by calling me on 03 442 7105 by 5 December.
“Alternatively people can sponsor my skydive, and all proceeds go to the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network. Businesses
can even donate a trip, adventure activity or any other gifts which will be used to raise funds early next year.”
The Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network is an independent local non-government agency offering support, interventions and
advocacy to victims and survivors of family violence and sexual abuse.
Over the past year statistics show an 85.4% increase in victims of family violence (from 97 to 179). Unfortunately it
is predicted that these figures will continue to rise.
ENDS
How you can help
Financial contributions and fundraising are vital to providing support to the people the Wakatipu Abuse Prevention
Network helps. Any contributions - no matter how big or small - are gratefully received.
You can either pledge a sponsorship donation to Julie Yeo via email yeojulie@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 442 7105 or 03 442
7145. Julie will collect the pledged amounts after her successful skydive. Alternatively, you could donate a trip,
adventure activity or any other gift which will be used to raise funds next year.
In return for your sponsorship, your company name would be included in:
· Logo on the T-shirt Julie will be wearing on the day
· All media releases or other written material
· Acknowledgement of sponsors in all media interviews
ends