A mission to raise $10 million

Lesley Slieker is on a mission - to raise $10 million for the Te Omanga Hospice.

The Hutt Valley hospice is replacing its earthquake-prone Woburn building with a purpose-built facility.

The project coordinator has enjoyed success before, raising $16.3m for Ronald McDonald House in Wellington.

But finding $10m, which roughly equates to $83 per family in the Hutt Valley, will not be easy.

Slieker has 12 months to raise the money and is pushing the message that a concerted community effort is needed.

If a business, school, club or charity is planning a fun run, mufti day, film evening or sausage sizzle, Slieker wants Te Omanga to be their charity of choice

‘‘It could be that Jenny decides to make muffins for everybody at work and makes $100. The next time the staff go to a movie, if they all a pay an extra $5, that is another $100.

‘‘It is all about lots and lots of people doing lots and lots of things that will raise the money.’’

One of her most successful fundraisers for Ronald McDonald House was when a small Lioness club approached her offering to raise $30,000 to fit out a room.

Slieker pointed out that group only had a few members and was struggling to raise money.

The Lionesses took on the challenge and proved her wrong.

‘‘They raised an extra $5000 and they also doubled their membership.’’

Fundraising is also a good way for businesses to engage with their staff and develop camaraderie, she said.

Although Slieker has a tight timeframe, she is confident of success.

‘‘It is a massive challenge but there is a massive need. The challenge of raising $10m is nothing compared to the challenge patients and family will face over the next 12 months and that is what makes my job worthwhile.’’

‘‘It is all about lots and lots of people doing lots and lots of things that will raise the money.’’

Lesley.Slieker@teomanga.org.nz