Buy a Brick Day Fundraising Just Keeps On Growing

Almost 8000 bricks have been purchased and a whopping $680,000 raised from the ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign so far.

But the full extent of the fundraising won’t be known for awhile yet, as it just keeps on growing by the day.

Organisers had hoped to sell 5000 bricks when they first kicked off, and were blown away by the response, with 20% coming from North Islanders, and support from as far away as the United States, Norway and Australia.

Southland Charity Hospital Trust media and communications manager Alana Dixon-Calder said they were pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed at the ongoing support for the campaign.

To purchase a supporter’s brick or commemorative plaque, visit buyabrick.co.nz

“Most people have been touched by cancer at some point in their lives, either directly or indirectly, and the way the people of Southland and Otago have taken on this project as their own is testament to the values we pride ourselves on: mucking in to get a job done, and coming together to help one another. It’s been incredible.”

Events and fundraising efforts were still continuing, even two weeks after ‘Buy A Brick Day,’ so they still didn’t truly know the full extent of how successful this campaign has been.

“I think one of the most heart-warming things about our ‘Buy A Brick’ campaign was that everybody in our community – from little ones at our daycares and kindergartens, through to older generations at retirement homes – were able to get involved in some way.

“It brought all of us together, for a worthy cause. The Southland Charity Hospital team feels really privileged to have so much support from the community – we couldn’t do what we’re trying to do without them,” she said.

The Southland Charity Hospital Trust needs $1 million to start building in September and, $4.5m in total.

To purchase a supporter’s brick or commemorative plaque, visit buyabrick.co.nz

“We can’t wait to get started on refurbishing our building, and we’re really looking forward to being able to say thank you to the people of Southland and Otago at our Pack the Park event at Rugby Park on 17 October.”