Almost 30 local business and community leaders are set to plummet 192 metres from the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower, as part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s (formerly Foundation for Youth Development) second annual “Drop Your Boss” fundraising challenge in Auckland this Thursday.
A statement from the Graeme Dingle Foundation says that heading the line-up will be foundation co-founder, Graeme Dingle, who will be joined by business leaders from the likes of Cotton On Group (Supré), Les Mills, Genesis Energy and Sanitarium, among others.
Graeme Dingle says their Marlborough region launched the unconventional fundraiser in 2013, in order to give participants the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the challenge facing many young New Zealanders on a daily basis – overcoming fear and difficult circumstances in order to succeed.
Graeme says that so many young people in New Zealand are challenged on a daily basis – at school, in the workplace, even on the sports field. “Our programmes are all designed to help change their often limited perceptions of what they can achieve, by building on their innate talents; developing core life skills and helping them find purpose and direction in life.
“We wanted to challenge the business community in the same way – and we’re delighted with the number of business leaders that are on board this year, and encouraged others to support our work.”
Truly embodying the spirit of the event is participant Mark Singleton, country manager for COTTON ON Group (parent company to new Foundation partner, Supré) – who will be overcoming his personal experience with vertigo in order to participate.
All funds raised go towards supporting the foundation’s child and youth development programmes including Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator and Project K, with participants already having contributed over $25,000 via their individual Give-A-Little pages.
To donate, and to view a full list of participants, visit the website.
