Swimming the length of Lake Wanaka to raise funds for counselling youth in the Upper Clutha experiencing grief and loss.

$6,391 of $20,000 goal

Given by 64 generous donors in 5 weeks

Otago

In 2004 Fi and Finn Fairbairn lost a much loved husband and father to suicide. As they lived in Christchurch Finn received 6 free counselling sessions with the Methodist Mission. When they moved to Wanaka in 2005 they realised there was nothing available like this for children. So in 2006 Fi organised a "Down the Lake Relay" from Makarora to Wanaka with 7 other friends and raised over $10 000 to provide counselling. The money has been well utilised but the funds are starting to run low so it is time to fundraise again.

Alpine Community Development Trust's involvement (page creator)

I am involved because I originally thought of the idea, and was part of the first relay. I help administer the fund along with Community Networks and I am swimming in this relay.

About us

The Darryl Fairbairn Memorial Fund was set up after we raised over $10 000 by swimming the length of Lake Wanaka. The money is used to provide funds for counselling for children and their families when they are going through grief and trauma in their lives. This is for those in the Upper Clutha area.

Use of funds

All donations go directly to the Darryl Fairbairn Memorial Fund. Families apply to Wanaka Community Networks for counselling sessions that are paid for by the Memorial Fund.

Latest update

Nearly Ready 2 February 2017

Thank you so much to those people who have already donated to the fund! Only 2 days to go and we will be in the lake swimming. It is all coming together and we are just putting the final touches to the organising. We also will now have live tracking so you can follow us down the lake the whole way. Just go on over to https://oceanswims.nz/track/wanaka/

and check us out.

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