As the weeks are creeping by the planning of the Howick Santa Parade continues to gain momentum! We are now only 11 weeks away from the big day!
The Howick Santa Parade is run by The Howick Children’s Charitable Trust, originally setup and founded by Times’ managing director Reay Neben, now run by John Russell, Bo and her mum Pip Burns and their large team of merry helpers.
Contrary to what many believe, the Santa Parade is not fully funded by the council. To get this incredible local event funded it takes a lot of hard work applying for grants, reaching out to local businesses, sponsorship packages and fundraising.
“This year we have launched our own fundraising initiatives, the first being The Santa Quiz night that was held at Bosun’s Bar. With a whopping turnout of 150 people, we raised $3400 on the night from ticket sales and raffles! A great night was had by all with the East FM radio team taking out the spot prize and winning the overall quiz,” she said.
“The second fundraising campaign we have launched is selling ‘Live Cams’. These are similar to GoPros. They come with a full guarantee and warranty. They normally sell for $599.
“We have managed to source these at a fantastic price which we can offer to you for just $150 each. They are a great idea for Christmas gifts so get in early.”
For the parade itself, Bo has some excellent judges lined up this year, with nearly all the float spots taken already. “We will have live entertainment on Moore Street, Uxbridge Street and the main stage is now booked and will be as great as ever,” she says.
“Lastly but most importantly, we have had some fabulous sponsors come on board, with the exciting news that Barfoot & Thompson Howick have taken the Platinum sponsorship this year for the 2019 naming rights.
“Alongside them, we have Galbraiths Legal Team and New World as our Gold Sponsors, with New World also recently donating $800 of profits from their coffee sales in late August.
We only have 5 sponsorship packages left. If you are interested please email howicksantaparade@gmail.com.
