NZ social media raises over $11k for Rape Prevention Education
In the wake of recent media coverage concerning sexual violence in New Zealand, a grassroots social media response is
picking up pace in the form of a fundraising challenge to positively affirm the role sexual violence prevention plays in
stopping situations such as the recent so-called Roast Busters case.
Blogger and Twitter user Giovanni Tiso (@gtiso) of Wellington successfully turned to social media this week to pressure
corporate advertisers to boycott the RadioLive show hosted by Willie Jackson & John Tamihere. Fellow tweeter Matthew Hooten (@MatthewHootonNZ), an NBR journalist and political commentator then
joined forces with Giovanni to challenge the same advertisers to support charitable causes in the space. Telecom NZ
(@TelecomNZ) was quick to accept the challenge donating $10,000 to the Auckland-based sexual violence prevention
organisation, Rape Prevention Education - Whakatu Mauri. The donations, made through Telecom Foundation’s fundraising
platform Givealittle.co.nz, currently sit at over $11,000 and will contribute to maintaining RPE’s school-based
programmes teaching respectful sexual relating, especially BodySafe and Sex ‘n’ Respect. ANZ and Countdown have also
committed donations, as have a number of people from the general public and Twitter users.
“We have never received such a large donation before without a great deal of fundraising,” says RPE Executive Director,
Dr Kim McGregor.
“We are really pleased that the recent national conversation on sexual violence is beginning to result in increased
public awareness about this issue, and that private individuals and companies are committing to help us provide sexual
violence prevention initiatives in schools. We appreciate seeing social media play such a positive role in working to
prevent sexual violence and support those affected by it.”
“We hope that the momentum created by this increased concern will continue to result in better resourcing for agencies
such as ours and others throughout the country.”
“RPE, along with many other sexual violence prevention agencies, depend on extra funding such as this to extend the
reach of our programmes. We hope that more individuals and corporates support our work by donating.”
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