Call for members support with fundraising for The Grace Street Project.
Following on from our Club's donation of $25,000 from the 2024 Book Sale to the Grace Street Project, our Club was invited to reconnect as a Community Partner in a major fundraiser for Stage II of this transformative initiative.
All 9 Southland Clubs accepted the invitation to throw their collective weight into supporting the Southern Scooter Challenge event fundraising collaborating on a 10 prize raffle with all proceeds set to benefit The Grace Street Project.
The Scooter Challenge will see around 200 riders journey the 194km from Invercargill to Te Anau on 50cc scooters, with each rider required to raise funds for the Grace Street Project.
Big Thank you to President Michael for his support! Generously donating a lamb for a raffle prize and Michael will be riding a scooter in the event on 21st March 2026. The link to Michael's Scooter ride fundraising is: https://southern-scooter-challenge-2025.raiselysite.com/michael-blomfield.
Lisa-Maree is co-ordinating the Rotary Raffle. Unfortunately one of the prizes has fallen through so Lisa-Maree is looking for urgent support for a replacement raffle prize - if you can help out with a raffle prize or have a contact and / or Business that maybe able to support - please contact Lisa-Maree on 027 2304 611.
Raffle Tickets will be distributed to each of the Clubs. Tickets are $5 each and each member is being asked to support with selling 10 tickets each through personal networks, family and friends. Ticket Selling locations are being finalised for those who can support with an hour or two selling tickets at a public place.
This Project is set to transform South Invercargill with a hub for connection, opportunity, and growth. More than a building, the Grace Street Project is a future community hub - a multigenerational space for people of all ages to connect, create, and access support.
Phase 1 of the 800sqm re-build started in September 2025 with the completion of the Hub targeted for October 2026 subject to fundraising.
To find out more about the Grace Street Project we are supporting and check out the ‘fly-thru’ of the Hub visit: https://www.thegracestreetproject.nz/
Additional opportunities to be spread across Clubs to support include:
- Pre-Event Registration Event (20 March, 3–6pm)
Set-up / Assist with taking registrations and assist with handout of info packs, scooter stickers. - Start Line Support (21 March, Teretonga)
Assist if required at event start. - Donation Collection
Rotary volunteers to assist with fundraising bucket collections before, during and after the event. - Finish Line Support (Te Anau)
Te Anau Club to lead setup of Finish Line and co-ordinate scooter parking. - Prizegiving & Finish Event Support
Assist as required with raffle/auction logistics, speeches, and crowd engagement. - Support Vehicle
One trailer-equipped vehicle to assist with breakdowns and scooter transfers. - Promotion Across Rotary Channels
Share the event and fundraising goals via Club bulletins, social media, and websites. - Rotarians to join the Ride
Members are encouraged to join the ride to raise funds and showcase Rotary spirit.
For more Scooter Event Info - go to: Southern Scooter Challenge
- No entry fee, each rider must raise $200 minimum
- Scooters must be road legal and riders licensed
- Pre-registration required via Southern Scooter Challenge website
- Tag teams welcome (one scooter, multiple riders)