Fundraising for Oz bushfire victims
Timaru hip hop group Rekage Crew is channelling their ‘‘passion’’ for breakdancing to help raise funds to help those affected by the bushfires in Australia today.
Dancer Chantelle Litten said the fundraiser would see dancers hovering motionless above their own donation box.
Passersby can drop a gold coin into the box of a dancer of their choice, setting them in motion. ‘‘It’s jukebox-style so people feel like they’re more involved in what we’re doing. Young kids especially love that interaction,’’ Litten said.
Fellow dancer Jess Garrick said the group had raised funds for many charities since starting in 2014.
‘‘We’re hoping from this busking we can do even bigger, more performance-style fundraisers. We can use this to help for either the fire or a new fundraiser,’’ Garrick said. ‘‘Whenever something comes up, we’ll be keen to get involved and help.’’
Reckage Crew can often be spotted dancing on Stafford St but this weekend they will be fundraising outside New World on Wai-iti Rd from 11am to 1pm. Funds raised will be donated to the Australian Red Cross.
Meanwhile, Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury is offering ribbons for a gold coin koha to raise funds for Australian firefighters. The ribbon fundraiser has been organised by Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury Ashburton co-ordinator Delwyn Moylan who has been busy making up the 300 ribbon brooches.
The ribbons can be found at Community House on Strathallan St between 9am and 4pm weekdays. Moylan will make more ribbons as required until the end of February to coincide with National Red Balloon Day on February 28, an annual Australian event to honour their ‘‘fireys’’ (firefighters).