Call for members support with fundraising for The Grace Street Project.
All 9 Southland Clubs accepted an invitation to throw their collective weight into supporting the Southern Scooter Challenge event with ‘some hands on event support’, as well as an added layer of 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.
President Michael has signed up and will ride a scooter in the event on 21st March 2026, and he is looking for support for his rider fundraising. The link to Michael's Scooter ride fundraising is: https://southern-scooter-challenge-2025.raiselysite.com/michael-blomfield.
Lisa-Maree has been busy with rounding up Prizes from each Club for the Rotary Raffle. Big Thank you to President Michael for his gererous support to the raffle, donating a lamb to be processed as one of the 10 raffle prizes.
With just one more prize to be confirmed - raffle tickets are set to be printed and will be distributed to each of the Clubs all staying on track at the end of this week.
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.
The Grace Street 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. Our Club's made a donation of $25,000 from the 2024 Book Sale to Stage 1.
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/
The event “hands on support” is being spread across the Southland Clubs includes:
- 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.
Want to volunteer to help out with any of the above - please contact Lisa-Maree who is the Lead contact for this 027 2304 611.