Need Reliable IT Support? Paddling with a purpose

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Marlborough’s dragon boating community are challenging themselves and the community to paddle around New Zealand in a fundraising bid for local mental health organisations.

The Simply the Breast dragon boat team will spend July 13 and 14 paddling and rowing ergs in an attempt to cover the 4500km distance of New Zealand’s coastline, and they’re encouraging the community to take part.

The marathon effort at Myspace is very close to heart for members of the Simply the Breast team, with team secretary Dana Goodwin and coach Jude Goodall leading the efforts to benefit local youth.

“We’re always looking for ways to stay fit and look after our mental health throughout the paddling off season – showing our support for at risk young people was suggested by our regional association, and the support just exploded from there,” says Jude.

“Losing just one young person is too many for a small, tight knit town like Blenheim, but losing six young people since the start of the year is a major issue, and we want to help address however we can.

“After all of the support that we get from Marlburians, we thought the least we can do is show Marlborough’s young peo- ple that there is support from all sections of the community in a space dedicated for young people”.

The Simply the Breast team encourage individuals, sports teams and businesses to head along and contribute to the kilometre counter however they can. The entire team will be on the machines at some point with four members hoping to get the team off to a hot start.

“We’re happy to lead the efforts, but this is a real opportunity to actively show that you or your business are behind Marlborough’s young people that are going through tough times”, says chairperson Bridget Ennals.

“It’s easy to say you want to help, but people don’t necessarily follow that up with action. This is all about getting as many locals as possible to participate and contribute a bit of sweat to the cause.”

“Either come along after work Thursday or join us after celebrating Matariki morning for a bit of exercise to kick off the long weekend.” https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/dragon-boating-for-mentalhealth

The Simply the Breast team have also set up a Givealittle page, so those unable to attend are can also contribute to the fundraising effort with all funds going to I AM HOPE Foundation.