Queenstown charities and non-profit organisations are being offered a chance to take advantage of fundraising opportunities during this year's Queenstown Winter Festival.
Festival director Simon Green said each year a range of fundraising opportunities and partnerships had helped raise more than $250,000 over the past five years for Wakatipu community groups and charitable organisations.
"As an official festival charity, the recipients can reap significant rewards from their involvement and participation with the festival," Mr Green said.
"It gives great exposure in the way of direct fundraising, promotion and networking and, of course, they benefit financially from their endeavours," he said.
Fundraising opportunities included gold coin collection and selling festival wares at the major free downtown events, providing labour forces for bars and front of house service, rubbish collection and some event set-ups and break-downs.
There was also the chance to be the recognised charity of the Thriller in the Chiller charity boxing event.
Mr Green said the Winter Festival subcommittee, comprising representatives from the Destination Queenstown board, would consider each applicant carefully before making a fair decision.
"The gates really are thrown wide for community, culture and arts, education, health, youth and sports, recreation and leisure groups," he said.
"We'll be looking to find the right balance between what resources the applicants can bring to the table in order to ensure they can fully capitalise on the opportunities available, and how the funds they generate will be utilised within their organisation and the community."
Those interested should visit www.winterfestival.co.nz and apply under "Get involved".
Applications would close on Friday, March 2, Mr Green said.
