three: gala of the year

Who are you and what do you do in your day-to-day job?

We are the MAS Christchurch branch team. 

How did you use your 'Here for Good' day?

We volunteered for the Christchurch Charity Hospital Trust and helped set up for their Christmas Gala. 

Why did you choose them?

We volunteered for this same event in 2018 and enjoyed it so much we hope to now make it an annual event. Rosie Graham who is the Fundraising Co-ordinator for Canterbury Charity Hospital is amazing! She plans and designs the evening with a very small team, so it is great to be able to help out. 

This cause is amazing, and to see the transformation from an empty space to a magical place is very satisfying. 

What did you do?

Rosie designs the table settings and then we all put the chair covers on (this is actually the hardest part of the job, they are slippery little suckers and need quite a bit of artistic flair to get them just right...), set out decorations on each table, set up and decorate the Christmas tree and check that the auction table looks as inviting as possible! On the night there is both a Silent Auction and Live Auction. 

This year we had around 20 tables comprising of 8 seats to set up.

What did you enjoy most?

We love to catch up with Rosie and her small team. They are so passionate about what it is they do and work so hard for the cause. We also love the transformation of the venue and how amazed everyone will be when they walk through the doors on the night. 

What did you learn from the experience?

There are many people in our town doing aMASing things for our community. They work long hours and they work very hard, it is such a privilege to be able to help them. 

How can I help?

The Canterbury Charity Hospital has many ways in which we can help, just check out their website for more information.

I know they would really value the members of their Fundraising team to increase, so please get in touch with Rosie at rosie@charityhospital.org.nz