It took only a week for a group of locals to organise a fundraiser for the Hawke’s Bay community so badly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this month.

Last Friday (February 24), Scott Base vineyard and tasting room hosted 140 paying customers, and in three hours raised over $20,000.

The generosity of the local community and businesses seemed contagious.

After contacting a few food providers (who couldn’t help at short notice), Scott Base co-owner Brigitte Tait called the Cromwell Junior Rugby Club.

“We knew they were fundraising for the club and might be able to help out and raise funds themselves, so I gave them a call,” she said.

They could help, and plans were put in place. Then came the phone call: “We can’t take money for this – we’re doing it for free.” 

On hearing this, Cromwell New World owner Phil Ryan donated the food at no charge.

Then the Cromwell Lions Club got on board, with the offer of its van to transport the junior rugby volunteers. The club also refused payment, and instead donated to the rugby club.

The number of individuals and businesses who contributed auction items were too many to list, with offers of free accommodation, meals, and adventure experiences coming from as far afield as Te Anau.  

Brigitte thanked them on behalf of the organisers, along with the many volunteers and local businesses who donated their time and services free of charge.

A good night raised a great amount of money for Hawke’s Bay

Among the crowd was a couple from the Hawke’s Bay, who had been holidaying in Oamaru. When they saw the fundraiser was on, they changed their plans and travelled to Cromwell to attend.

“They even got up on the mic, to say “thanks”, but also to talk about how the images we see down here don't convey how absolutely devastating the damage is,” Brigitte said. 

The funds will be donated to the Central Hawke’s Bay Mayoral Relief Flood Response Fund.  

As reported in The Central App last week (February 24), the Central Otago District Council has adopted the Central Hawkes Bay District Council as part of the Adopt-a-Community initiative.