An Old Skool Boost for WFA

The third Old Skool Ball, which raised $44,000 for the Wellington Free Ambulance [WFA] new station build in Masterton, is a fine example of the power of community engagement and support.

A cheque was presented to WFA by the Old Skool Ball committee last week, as an announcement on the start of groundwork at the building site on the corner of Queen and Russell St draws nearer.

The ball, attended by 160 people at the Carterton Events Centre last month, was supported by dozens of businesses eager to help the WFA fundraising cause.

Major catering sponsors included Clareville Bakery, Homegrown Butcher, Deli and Pantry, and Jina’s World of Fresh Produce.

Other sponsors donated goods and services for silent auctions and raffles throughout the evening.

The theme of the ball was ‘Build the Station’ with tables decorated with bricks and plastic toys in a construction theme, while a fun Photo Booth invited ball-goers to wear yellow builders’ helmets and hold tools to strike their poses.

The bi-annual Old Skool Ball was first held in 2017 to support WFA. The 2019 event raised $29,000, with the third ball delayed until this year because of covid-19. The next ball is set for 2025 – and by then the new station should be well open.

This year’s ball was a fundraising success due to the number of sponsors wishing to get behind the new station, as well as the hard work of the committee, led by Wendy Morrison, Helen Tickner and Trevor Ryan, WFA community liaison Cheryl Watson said.

Watson, who liaises with most of the community’s WFA donors, joined the ball committee last year and was impressed by the committee’s connections and determination.

“This committee’s ability to engage with sponsors and suppliers has been infectious,” Watson said. “They are a small group of people who are community minded and have pulled off this successful ball.”

The station build is estimated to cost $7 million, with $3 million raised by the community.

More than $4.6 million of funding has been allocated to the build so far, with approximately $1,671,000 of that raised by the Wairarapa community.

Watson said community fundraising efforts had been a general boost for WFA.

“Having the station build visible across Wairarapa has raised our profile as the only emergency ambulance service in Wairarapa,” she said.

“Every little bit counts, from groups large and small, with each donor feeling a part of the new WFA station.”

Upcoming fundraisers by the public in aid of WFA include Halloween-themed events and Christmas money-makers, such as selling Christmas cakes.