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Help Aaron get to centenary commemorations at Gallipoli

  • One week to go

      14 April 2015
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    With only a week to go until my trip to Turkey begins, today I collected a roll of commemorative coins from NZ Post that I'll be taking with me to give to people I meet along the way. They're a pretty cool souvenir so hopefully the recipients will appreciate a little memento of the occasion.

    The fundraising efforts are continuing, and still a little way off covering the extra costs associated with last-minute arrangements. Anything that you might be able to contribute would be make a huge difference. Thank you once again for considering my cause to support.

    In addition to the amazing support I've received through Givealittle, there's a few other contributors I'd like to thank:

    - EastLife Magazine for for publishing a small article about my journey to Gallipoli

    - Icebreaker for contributing a MerinoLOFT Helix jacket which will keep me warm

    - Macpac for lending a Latitude 700 XP sleeping bag to me for the overnight camp at ANZAC Cove

    - Contiki tours for providing a discount off the tour to get me to Gallipoli

    Everyone's support has been fantastic and this trip would not have possible with all the help I've received.

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  • $800 from goal

      29 March 2015
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    It's now only three weeks until I set off on this journey to be at Gallipoli for ANZAC Day. It's come so quickly!

    I arrived home home yesterday to find a package from Ticketek with my attendance pass, which has added to the anticipation and excitement. I've attached a photo so you can see what it looks like, along with the ANZAC badge purchased yesterday. They're a fantastic souvenir for anyone and only $5 from your local RSA or NZ Post shop. For more details on the badge, go to http://ww100.govt.nz/get-a-ww100-pin

    Fundraising update: All of your support so far has been amazing, and this trip could not be possible without your help. With a few items still to arrange (two nights accommodation, sleeping, jacket), I estimate that I am only $800 from my goal.

    From the time I entered the ballot way back in October 2013 I was prepared to pay for this trip, so I think it's important for me to remind everyone thinking of helping out that this fundraising page is not about getting a free trip. It was set up simply to cover the extra expenses brought on by having to book and pay so late.

    With this in mind, and making a best estimate of extra expenses, if we can get this fundraising page to around $1,500 it will a success.

    Thanks for your support and I'll update you again in a couple of weeks.

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  • Trip is booked!

      12 March 2015

    After a really positive start to fundraising so far, I decided that the trip to Turkey for the commemorations was possible, even at this late stage.

    While I would've liked more time to fundraise before having to financially commit to what will be quite an expensive trip, everybody I've spoken to about the opportunity has told me not to miss out... it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

    So with everyone's support, I booked flights, tour and travel insurance yesterday (Wednesday) and sent details to the NZ Government in order to confirm my place. If credit cards could make noises, mine would've been screaming in agony yesterday! hehe

    In addition to this page, I've been busy contacting lots of people within the travel industry in an attempt to save money. A tour company has been very generous in taking 10% off the cost of a tour, despite it being peak season... so awesome of them! All of the major airlines were contacted, and I was really surprised to have almost all of the senior executives get back to me. Although none were able to assist, they were very supportive of my cause.

    Thank you all so much for your support and kind words so far! Here's hoping that over the coming weeks we will be able to continue fundraising. Keep looking back for further updates as it nears closer to ANZAC Day.

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