A six-wheel rig arrived in Dunedin this week as part of nationwide journey aimed at collecting donations for the first telethon in 15 years - The Big Night In, which begins on August 8.
The truck is travelling from Invercargill to Whangarei, collecting memorabilia from mayors and products donated by branches of The Warehouse for a fundraising auction for the telethon's chosen charity, KidsCan.
Dunedin deputy mayor Syd Brown presented truck driver Phil Sims, of Auckland, with a rugby banner and a book on Dunedin by Neville Peat for the auction.
Cr Brown said he was right behind the telethon, which aimed to help New Zealand children affected by poverty.
KidsCan executive director Julie Helson told the Otago Daily Times the charity hoped to raise enough money to get all children off their waiting list.
"Currently, there are 30,000 waiting, so to reach this goal they would require $2 million."
About 85c in each dollar raised would go to the charity, and KidsCan hoped to increase that to 90c by securing other sponsors, she said.
Money raised from the telethon would be used to buy raincoats (at a cost of $20), shoes ($20) and food.
The charity supports three schools in Otago and Southland - St Patricks, in South Dunedin, New River Primary School, in Invercargill, and St Patricks, School, in Nightcaps.
"Big Night In promises to unite all New Zealanders to help kids in need in our own backyard, she said.
THE BIG NIGHT IN
• Chosen charity: KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust
• Starts 7pm, Saturday, August 8, on TV3.
• A 23-hour nonstop fundraiser.
• Will screen live from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
• Promises to bring back Telethon favourites such as the crazy dares and phone bank.
• The Telethon song Thank You Very Much For Your Kind Donation has been reworked by OpShop lead singer Jason Kerrison.
SOURCE: bignightin.co.nz
