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Ōrewa Lions were celebrating their 40th Big Dig this month, but after the event, on January 14, there were glum predictions that it was likely to be the last time it’s held.
The event involves children digging in the sand for prizes on Ōrewa Beach, with all funds raised going to local charities and Lions’ community projects.
Project coordinator for Ōrewa Lions, Helen Roderick, says there were a number of positives to be taken from the day. For one, the sun came out. And, although attendance was down a bit, with around 500 children enthusiastically digging,
there was a lot of great feedback from families about this year’s cheaper entry fee and the number of free entertainment options on offer.
“Times are tough out there and we focused on making it affordable family fun,” Roderick says. “I’m very happy with how it went and grateful to the Lions who came to help on the day. Everyone who took part seemed to have a good time.”
This year the funds raised are going to the HBC Youth Centre, and Roderick says the Centre, and its young people, made an amazing contribution.
However, she says a small committee of four Lions had put in long hours beforehand to make the event happen, including obtaining permits from Auckland Council, organising the rides and entertainment, food and prizes. The sand is dug up by a volunteer with a tractor and 1000 prize sticks buried in two roped off areas. On the day, it is very busy, with all hands needed on deck handing out prizes and running raffles and games.
Although donations are still to be finalised, Lions estimate the total funds raised will be around $4000.
“For the amount of effort involved, it’s not enough,” Roderick says. “We hope to top that amount up so we can give the Youth Centre more.”
“From the committee’s perspective, this will be the last Big Dig,” she says. “I know that occasionally this has been said before, when we’re all tired after it’s over. But it’s just too much work for the funding it brings in. It was our 40th and therefore I think a good one to go out on.”
