fbpx

A good deed: Sir Ashley Bloomfield abseils high-rise for Wellington City Mission

 Imagine asking a national sweetheart to launch a fundraising initiative that involved abseiling a Wellington high-rise?

Well, Wellington City Mission did just that when it asked former Director-General of Health Sir Ashley Bloomfield to help kick off its new campaign, ‘Wellington’s Greatest Deed’.

The campaign was launched via Special Wellington and OMD, aiming to raise funds to complete its new community facility, Whakamaru. 

It saw Sir Bloomfield abseiling down the side of a Wellington high-rise to sign the first names of donors on the gigantic seven-metre long symbolic document, Wellington’s Greatest Deed. 

The Greatest Deed commemorates the everyday Kiwi that donate to Whakamaru by cementing their names forever on the larger-than-life ownership deed. It turns a billboard into a live, living document that anyone can sign by donating and will be updated weekly as more people add their names and support, before it takes pride of place within the building itself. 

“I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of the City Mission’s activation, Wellington’s Greatest Deed. I may not love heights, but I’m happy to live with a bit of fear for such a great cause,” says Sir Ashley Bloomfield, reflecting on his descent. 

 “Whakamaru is a significant milestone in The Mission’s history. As demand for our services grow, we need to rethink how we ‘do community.’ Whakamaru will reshape how Wellingtonians support and care for each other. We’re incredibly grateful to have partners like Special Wellington, who demonstrate big, creative thinking can influence action and inspire donations,” says Murray Edridge, Wellington City Missioner. 

“Kiwi are struggling more than ever to make ends meet with charitable donations falling off the monthly budget. This creates a huge challenge for Wellington City Mission. We know from campaigns like The Silent Night, when there’s a creative idea that is connected to something tangible, we can help drive donations. That’s our ambition for Wellington’s Greatest Deed,” says Mark Forgan, ECD Special. 

“Supporting the Wellington City Mission is part of our commitment to Wellington. Bold, and brave ideas like this are what we need to spark curiosity and generosity from our community to support those doing it tough. And another example of how fundraising activity doesn’t need to use the struggles of those needing support as a ‘tool’. We want everyone to feel like they own Whakamaru, and now they can,” say Matt Barnes, Lead Business Partner. 

Wellington’s Greatest Deed is more than just a fundraising initiative – it’s an opportunity for the community to unite to make a lasting difference. By donating, New Zealanders are contributing to the creation of Whakamaru, a 24/7 facility offering essential support for those in need. This project eliminates the divide between “us and them,” providing a vibrant space for community connection and care. 

Limited spots are available. To donate, visit: wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/deed

About Author

Avatar photo

One of the talented StopPress Team of Content Producers made this post happen.

Comments are closed.