Southland
he Riversdale and Balfour communities debated, danced, Mexican Waved, shouted and roared support for their teams in an epic War on the Waimea stage clash last Saturday night in the Riversdale Hall, netting the community an estimated $80,000.
War on the Waimea was always going to be fierce between rivals Riversdale and Balfour and when the gold and maroon flood of Balfour supporters swamped into the Black and White colours of Rivesdale it was all out war.
The contest took the form of a cutter debate, quiz, rugby contests, sing-off, theatresports, bench building and lip synch, and although Riversdale edged out their southern rivals, there was a huge sense of community in the hall, especially when the extent of the fundraising was announced.
Balfour contestants in maroon and yellow share a moment with their Riversdale opponents before doing battle in the Distraction Quiz at War on the Waimea in Riversdale last Saturday night. Photo: supplied.
Gerry Forde has now run 19 Flyer fundraisers that have earned over $1m for communities and he rated the War on the Waimea one of the best.
“It had the key ingredients of colour, comedy, passion for your home district, local talent, and a hard working committee who got the whole community behind them!” said Forde.
At the end of the evening Dave Hurley from Riversdale First Response announced that their half of the proceeds would practically complete fundraising for an earthquake proof building for the organisation.
The Balfour recipient is the Balfour Sports Trust representing Balfour Rugby Club, Balfour Cricket, Balfour Theatre Company, Balfour School, Balfour Squash Club, Balfour Bowling Club and Balfour Tennis Club.