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The much-anticipated Big Dig on Orewa Beach will be held on Saturday, January 19.
First held in 1979, the event is organised by Orewa Lions and while it has a fundraising dimension, club secretary Mandy Hebbens says it is primarily designed to be a fun, low-cost family day out.
“We are in the position now where we have second generation participants – parents attending who first dug in the sand as children,” she says.
The format has stayed fairly similar over the years. It involves finding hidden tokens (coloured ice block sticks) in the sand and exchanging them for raffle tickets.
More than 40 prizes will be given away, including a family-sized swimming pool.
“We are very grateful to the local businesses who continue to support the Big Dig, including the Warehouse in Silverdale.”
As well as the beach-based events, which will include a ‘jump jam’ run by Curves Orewa, there will fairground rides and sideshows, food, entertainment and displays by local groups such as cheerleaders, on the reserve near the Orewa Beach Surf Club.
The proceeds – normally around $5000 – will support diabetes treatment and education. Previous Big Digs have funded the purchase of a pair of giant picnic tables at the beach, gym equipment on the Orewa Reserve and a bike station at the Te Ara Tahuna cycleway.
Mandy explains that Lions Clubs have five core activities that they focus on – hunger, environment, child cancer, sight and diabetes.
“Orewa is quite involved in activities supporting the first four so we decided that the Big Dig should raise awareness about diabetes.
“One in four New Zealanders has diabetes, plus it’s estimated that another 40,000 people are undiagnosed. It’s a big issue.
“We will have testing kits on site on the day for people aged over 18.”
Registration opens 10am. Under 5’s dig at 11am, over 5’s at 11.15am. Main prize draw 1pm.
For more information about Orewa Lions, contact Mandy at hebben@xtra.co.nz or phone Laurie on 426 0586.
