Community

Blooming Generosity: FN Golden Bay's Four-Year Sunflower Fundraiser Journey

FN Golden Bay's (Takaka)sunflower fundraiser began about four years ago when they sold a coastal lifestyle property to Ross & Lee Ogle. 

The following year Ross approached them envisioning a charitable project to plant sunflowers and sell them for charity.

Recognising the community spirit, FN Golden Bay joined forces, selling sunflowers from their Takaka offices. The funds, initially for the Cancer Foundation, grew each year. Ross and Lee's dedication also saw donations to St John, and this year, they chose the local fire brigade which has an even deeper connection with James Mackay, Principal for FN Golden Bay being one of the local fire brigade volunteers.

Following the New Year, they introduced the first batch of sunflowers for sale, perfectly timed for the influx of holiday visitors to the bay.

The following week, a disaster hit their town when there was a catastrophic fire at the local ITM Building Centre. There were also businesses in the vicinity that suffered but the ITM building supplies and paint centre were burnt to the ground.

The community united to support ITM significantly, and this ongoing support is evident. However, it's clear that the local fire brigade played a crucial role in saving the town. With many old wooden buildings, under different conditions, especially windy ones, the outcome could have been disastrous. FN Golden Bay is positioned just two buildings away.

The timing, along with the chosen charity recipients, was perfect and everyone was very eager to make donations. The sunflowers were a huge hit. Sales have slowed a little as they get close to the end of the school holidays, but while there are still sunflowers out there, Ross will continue to bring them in and we look forward to seeing what the final figure will be. Currently sitting at $1,328.

They are not sure how many years this will go on for but hope that if Ross and Lee are no longer able to, the growing will get passed onto anyone who wants to take up the baton!

Pedalling for a Cause

Leigh Jackson, salesperson for FN Gore was up early with the Riversdale St John First Response crew, cheering on Steve Wilson. The 71-year-old farmer from Kuriwao embarked on a charitable e Bike ride from Pounawea to Riverton, aiming to cover an impressive distance in a single day. The route spans through Clinton and Gore, reaching Lumsden, navigating over The Key to Blackmount, and continuing through Tuatapere before concluding in Riverton. Steve's endeavour is dedicated to raising funds for Hato Hone St John.

If you would like to donate or read more about Steve's journey click the button below