Te Aroha raises events centre funds
It’s a load of bull – farmers have been asked to donate a bull calf toward the cost of building a new events centre in Te Aroha
With fundraising for the proposed Te Aroha events centre now exceeding the $300,000 mark, farmers are being asked to back the project by rearing and donating a bull calf.
With spring here, coordinator Paul Williams is once again encouraging farmers to rear and donate a bull calf which will be sold later in the year with all profits going toward the centre.
“We’re just trying to get people behind it – it’s not easy because everyone wants the events centre, and everyone wants it big but – no-one wants to pay for it,” he said.
Last year 102 calves were donated and sold, raising a useful $28,000 for the centre, money which Mr Williams says is important if the community want it to happen.
“It’s all very well saying we want it, but without money it won’t happen – we’re lucky because the council has given us the land – we’re a lot better off than other communities who are trying to do the same sorts of things.
Something’s going to be built, it’s just how big it is will be depend on how much the community gets behind it,” said Mr Williams.
Farmers are expected to rear the donated calves until they are weaned, and they will be collected in early November.
On average last year each animal sold for $260 through Wrightsons and Waikato Farmers, with Waitoa Haulage transporting them to the sales for free.
Mr Williams hopes that at least 100 calves are donated again, preferably Friesian or beef breeds as they “fetch the most money”.
“Everybody wants the centre to be big, but how big it will be depends on how much money is raised,” he said.
“I think a two-court facility will be the best for the future.”
With feasibility studies now completed, Mr Williams said there is now proof that any donations will be money well spent and the multi-purpose events centre will benefit the sporting community.
“What we are trying to do is plant a seed in people’s minds that it’s a great opportunity for families who have lived in Te Aroha a long time to get in behind it.”
After money was raised from a successful beard growing competition last year, Mr Williams has decided to run a new competition in October which involves the growing of sideburns.
“This year it’s going to be sideburns, mutton chops – it’s going to be the biggest and the grossest you can grow.”
Anyone who wishes to donate a bull calf can contact either Paul Williams on 884 8557 or Pat Gleeson on 887 2636.
