Following the unfortunate passing of a local orchid grower in Whangarei, NZ, SRotary Whangarei South fell into an unexpected fundraising opportunity that has brought in significant funds for the club.
Extremely passionate about his orchids, Gary Hampton knew his family could not continue the business when he passed as his wife works full-time and his two children are still in school. So, he asked his family to choose an organisation to donate his precious orchids.
Rotary Whangarei South was the lucky recipient and members wasted no time in organising the sale of the plants to raise funds for club projects.
Over two Saturdays in September, (and many drop-offs and collections in between) the plants were sold off at $5 each, raising more than $14,000 for the club. People came from as far as Kerikeri and Ohakune to collect individual orders. The Club also donated some of the plants to the Local Hospice,
Alzheimer's, and the Quarry Gardens and gave some to one of the students, who asked the Club for help with funds to attend Spirit of Adventure, to sell.
“It’s been an awesome fundraiser with the whole club being involved in one aspect or another and we are extremely grateful for Gary’s forethought and his family for this opportunity for fundraising,” said Sue Hill, of Rotary Whangarei South. Funds raised from the sale of the orchids will go towards
Community Projects, meaning Gary’s legacy will not only live on in North Island homes and gardens but in the lives of those helped through these projects.