The Rotary Club of Wanaka raised over $30,000 from its charity fundraising events in October.
The club carries out two of its signature annual events at this time of year: the Rotary Club of Wanaka Book Sale, and The Rotary Club of Wanaka Duck Race.
The book sale, held at the Lake Wanaka Centre from October 2-4, raised over $15,000 which club president Mike Elliot says was an extraordinary effort.
“We weren’t sure how the book sale would go this year with all the disruption, but when the books started flowing in we thought this was going to be big,” Mike said.
More than two thirds of a container of books were sold in the sale, which Mike said was the biggest for some time.
The club’s annual duck race took place on Saturday October 24 with 1,500 tickets sold to the public and more than 120 corporate ducks sold to businesses.
Mike said sales went very well this year. “We had a great response, it is just one of those events which captures the imagination and is something all the family can do,” he said.
Final calculations are underway but the duck race will have raised more than $15,000, Mike said.
“We’re very pleased with total funds raised and thankful for the great support from the community. Funds will be used for local needs as well as some overseas causes like funding emergency response kits,” he said.
Mike said the club will now take a “breather”, with plans already underway for a summer book sale from January 2-7, 2021 to raise funds for the Mount Aspiring College hardship fund.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Wanaka can contact the club here. LINK: https://www.wanakarotary.club/singleemail/contactus
Rotary Club of Wanaka president Mike Elliot.
PHOTOS: Wanaka App