Local teen leads the way on a fundraising drive initiative

An enterprising Wakatipu 14-year-old has raised $8500 for the much-needed Wakatipu Search and Rescue base after launching a bold initiative last year to boost Search and Rescue (SAR) coffers.

Savannah Neal, of the Liger Leadership Academy, began her mission last year, filming and producing her own YouTube fundraising video. It took about six months to create the video with Savannah being flown by helicopter up Ben Lomond to film Wakatipu SAR in action as part of a night vision training exercise. Her video, urges donations for the much-needed Wakatipu SAR Portacom headquarters at Frankton, and has drawn a fantastic response. Savannah’s now keen to bolster that further.

Savannah’s contribution’s greatly assisted Wakatipu SAR’s goal to raise $40,000.“Savannah’s just such an incredible young lady and we’ve now raised $32,000, greatly boosted by her $8500 contribution,” says long-time Wakatipu SAR volunteer and instructor Ed Halson. Savannah first approached Ed as part of a Liger Academy project in which students devise creative ways to help the community. “She’s got a real talent with film. On her own she’s created a cool video and tagged it online for fundraising,” says Ed.

“I’d heard cool stories about SAR and YouthSAR through Ed, and really wanted to be part of it so I approached him to see if they needed anything,” says Savannah. “At the moment they’re operating out of the Queenstown Police Station and really need this Portacom building for their base.”

“People are always in need of help around here, walking, biking, climbing, getting lost. It’s so cool what SAR does,” says Savannah, who’ll be among the first in line to apply for NZ YSAR’s training programme launching locally next year. “I definitely want to do YSAR when it starts here.”

She’s now coming up with more fundraising initiatives to help Wakatipu SAR reach its target. “I will be super grateful if I can raise more funds. Those volunteers put so much work and time into helping those in need which is why I want to help.”

Wakatipu SAR received $14,000 towards the project from Altrusa Queenstown’s fundraising efforts. Local SAR volunteers raised another $5000 doing section clearing.

The crew is super keen to take over the building, currently tagged for them at Heliworks’ Frankton base. “We’ve paid for half and fundraising to pay the rest off,” says Ed.

Savannah’s initiative has impressed SAR leaders nationally with YSAR CEO Steve Campbell saying it’s a great example of how young people can make a difference. “I was rapt seeing that video. She has a very high skill level and she’s done a really good job,” says Steve.” It’s a good indication of the impacts our youth can have on the community.”

The money raised will help save lives, he says. “It’s important to have a cohesive base. The quicker volunteers can respond and get out into the field the better.”

To donate: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/wakatipusearchandrescue

Check out Savannah’s video: Wakatipu Search and Rescue 2023 Fundraising New Zealand