In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand Issue 1 | Page 25

was also posted to the Cycling Challenge’s Facebook page, which allowed them to share their fundraising page with all of their network via social media.” All participants were loaded to the website in November 2014, with a target of reaching their goal within three months – the end of January, in time for the cycling challenge on Waitangi Day, February 6. By the end of January all participants had reached their targets, and, what’s more, some started to exceed their fundraising goal – an internal challenge had begun between the cyclists to see who could raise the most. “This event was so successful because we empowered each participant to personally fundraise for the charity, the individual personal challenge of the cycling event itself, the ability to use social media to get the word out to each participant’s network, easily, and without any cost, and most importantly, the ability to collect funds online via the website,” Vicki says. “When I first had the idea to collect funds via the website, I believed it would work well - but the results outdid even my expectations.” Vicki says she sees plenty of scope for Rotary to dramatically increase its fundraising initiatives by working strategically, thinking innovatively, and by maximising the use of technology. “When I was asked to help out with the implementation of the new ClubRunner websites throughout District 9980, I was very excited with the prospects this system offers Rotary clubs on a number of fronts, including fundraising. “This is the perfect time for all of us Rotarians to reflect on what we’ve been doing up to now, and how we can fundraise smarter.” ealth board awards KEEPS ON GIVING Laurie Mahoney, who was awarded $500. Laurie works as a public health nurse, co-ordinates the risk abuse advisor team and is leader amongst the public health nurse team. She also sits on several national committees. Brendon Bearman & Jane Craig-Pearson Annie Marshall, who works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, was recognised for her leadership and advanced clinical skills, and awarded $500. Donna Didham, an enrolled nurse in the Children’s Unit, who was awarded $500 in recognition of her commitment to families, her ability to build trust and confidence, together with her excellent education skills. Val Waugh, who works as a clinical nurse specialist in Oncology with youth, was awarded $500. Val has led national strategies and developed a nationallyrecognised survival passport. Two Midwifery Awards of $500 each were presented to Queen Mary midwives Wendy Rawson and Wendy Munro, both of whom intend to put the award money toward an upcoming conference in France. Laurie Mahoney Val Waugh Donna Didham Page 25