'Biggest' Telethon

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 242, 17 May 1988, Page 3

'Biggest' Telethon

Plans are underway to make this year's Telethon the most successful ever in the Waimarino. The base for fundraising in this area is again Waiouru, which was the only satellite centre in the Wanganui district to receive television coverage during the last event. The community centre has been chosen as the central point for activities. Waiouru co-ordinator for previous Telethons, Social Worker Peter Bright, said the centre closed down at midnight and re-opened at 8 am, unlike other centres that operate 24 hours. "It simply wasn't worthwhile to run the full 24 hours," he said. "No one rang between midnight and around 8 am the first year we stayed open the whole time." It is not known whether the same system will operate this time around. The Waimarino Telethon committee

adopted a suggestion by Mr Bright, to operate the appeal from 7pm Saturday to 7pm Sunday instead of the normal 8pm-8pm. This way, volunteers manning the centre can watch the last hour of Telethon televised nationally. Suggestions to improve upon the "chaos" of the last Telethon include a refreshment shop within the centre, an accurate donation recording system, resident performing artists throughout the appeal, a leading "star" entertainer and policing of the centre to maintain order. Mr Bright said liaison between Ohakune, Raetihi and Waiouru last time, was "sadly lacking" and more effort is needed to co-ordinate activities. Very few Waimarino people other than those resident in Waiouru supported the event. As in previous years, groups and individuals will travel to Waiouru to perform. Those organisations that have already regis-

tered their support include Waiouru's Hairstylists, who will remain open 24 hours and receive sponsership from customers. Those visiting the shop during the early hours are promised a cut-rate haircut. Waiouru Primary School and Turoa Tumblers also figure on the performers list. The Bank of New Zealand is once again the official bank for Telethon. BNZ Waiouru branch Executive Officer David Petre said his bank will undertake the responsibility of collating the total donations. Last year $13,000 was raised in the area. New Zealand's largest fundraising extravaganza, to be staged over the weekend June 25-26, is in aid of reducing the level of conflict in society through groups working in the areas of parent and family support, drug abuse education and prevention, and prevention of violence.