When this was first mooted it was just going to be a small fundraiser but gradually this has taken on a life of it's own with Fastway Couriers as the major sponsor transporting the gnome from place to place and the gnome even has his own business card designed by another trader. The lady who created the gnome has recently lost a friend and fellow trader to cancer and so after discussions with other traders they decided to raise the money for the Cancer Society. They came to our Centre to discuss this with us and it was decided that the money would go to Cancer research for various research projects.
The general idea is that traders offer to host Gnorman right around NZ. He is transported from place to place by courier for a year. The host then takes him into the community and explains what they are doing. Businesses are asked to donate an item for a wedding present for Gnorman and Gnorma Jean (the female gnome doing the same around Australia with Aussie Traders) and the host also makes a donation. People are asked not to give cash. If they insist on giving cash they are asked to send it to the Wanganui Cancer Society and we will bank it. Messages are also written into Gnorman's Journal.
The gnome was officially farewelled from our Centre on January 18th with a photo and article in the local paper. We hope to follow this up every couple of months with Gnorman's progress.
You would be absolutely amazed if you visit the website just to see how this has taken off. A prominent artist in Devonport has painted a picture of the gnome and this will be auctioned, businesses have been very generous with gifts and even Trevor Mallard is helping out by trying to obtain an All Blacks Jersey which can be auctioned, in fact Gnorman is also scheduled to make a visit to Parliament for a few days within the next month.
At the end of the journey 2007(Gnorma Jean will return home from Aussie) Trade Me has agreed to meet the gnomes at their offices. Donated items and the journal will be auctioned off on Trade Me and the group will then present a cheque to us here at the Wanganui Centre which will all be used for Cancer Research.
If you wish to see what is happening you can log onto: http://trackthegnome.blogspot.com/2007/01/how-it-all-started.html.
The interest and response to this is phenomenal and the traders hope to raise at least $15,000 from this. A very generous gesture.
All funds raised through this project will go to the Cancer Society of New Zealand for cancer research. Below are some key points that could be included in any communication with donors, Volunteers or the press:
All funds raised through this project will go to the Cancer Society of New Zealand to fund cancer research.
- The Cancer Society funds over 50% of all cancer-related research in New Zealand
- The Cancer Society receives no government funding and relies solely on community donations
- The research funded through project grants for scientists is of international importance, which means every New Zealander's voluntary contribution plays a vital role in word-wide efforts to prevent and control cancer.
Wendy Paterson
Administration Manager
Wanganui-Rangitikei-Waimarino Cancer Society Inc
PO Box 7116
Ph: 06 3487402
E Mail: wgi.cancer.soc@xtra.co.nz
Contributed by Joybells
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