Southlanders are always up for a challenge, and the latest one is a goodie.
Picture 12 first responders running along Oreti Beach and then through the city to Queens Park carrying a Stokes Basket full of cash - during the Surf to City event in March.
The exact amount will be totally up to how much the community contributes - up to a maximum of 150kg.
Organiser Kiel Brodie said the initiative was discussed one day at the fire station and then lay dormant for over a year, before they decided to give it a crack.
“We just thought it would be awesome to see the biggest ever Surf to City, we are all about encouraging people to get out and get active.
“We approached Active Southland and said ‘what if we turn Surf to City Southland’s largest recreational participation event into Southland’s largest fundraiser with all funds staying right here in Southland?’
Naturally they were keen. Then they found three charities willing to share the funds raised “because we wanted it to reflect teamwork and Southland spirit.”
Kiwiharvest Southland, Hospice Southland and the Grace Street Project are the chosen recipients, and already they have raised just over $13000 - with a target of $57,600.
“We would love it to go big so we can come back with a new crazy challenge next year, maybe vs the Police or Stags vs Steel who knows? The main thing is it’s Southland’s Challenge and will belong to Southland,” he said.
