"Double Good Deed" (DGD) allows businesses and individuals to make a donation to the pupils' upcoming work day, raising funds for the 2012 Branches Camp, which will pay for a pupil being allocated a job of helping in the community.
DGD initiator and Branches Charitable Trust trustee Bennie Neilson said the initiative was designed to unleash a double dose of community good.
"It means people or businesses who would like to contribute to the unique opportunity Branches Camp offers Wakatipu youth but don't have any jobs can gift that help to someone who really needs it."
For example, a $50 donation could see a pupil assigned to help an elderly person for five hours, raking leaves, weeding the garden and cleaning windows.
"Double Good Deed donors can either say who they'd like the work done for or just give an untagged donation, as there are lots of people and community groups who could do with a hand," Mrs Neilson said.
The annual 12-day camp was viewed as a "rite of passage" for year 10 Wakatipu High School pupils.
Held at Branches Station, beyond Skippers Canyon, it is the longest-running secondary school outdoor education camp in New Zealand, having begun 45 years ago.
At base camp, the 150 pupils will dig their own long drops and go without power and technology for 12 days. They will also take part in a range of activities, including kayaking, tramping, rafting and abseiling.
The work day will be held on November 16. Pupils will work for at least five hours at a starting rate of $10 an hour.
• Anyone with offers of work or those wanting to make a donation can contact Mrs Neilson on (03) 442-0234 or 021-217-1182 or by emailing bennieandphill@xtra.co.nz.
The trust can provide tax receipts for claiming charitable donation tax rebates.
Queenstown Hill Challenge
The annual Queenstown Hill climb and fundraiser for Wakatipu High School's year 10 Branches Camp will be held on Saturday.
The Queenstown Hill/Te Tapunui Challenge comprises two separate events, which participants can run or walk.
Both events begin at Tuckers Beach. Participants in the 6km distance turn at Lake Johnson and those doing the 15km turn at Queenstown Hill.
The race begins at 10am on Saturday and costs $20 for adults and $10 for pupils doing the Lake Johnson run and $25 for adults and $15 for pupils in the Queenstown Hill run.
All proceeds will go to the Branches Charitable Trust.
