Behind the scenes at SADD – another side of “From the top to the bottom of North Island”

As a follow up to our previous blog with the students from Kerikeri High, Roger (SADD’s Fundraising and Engagement Manager), sat down to write up some of his thoughts about the process of getting them along to our Wellington Conference. Check out what he had to say below!

I’m pretty certain it was early on 7th April when I got the message that two Kerikeri students wanted to attend SADD Conference in Wellington.

I think I said something like: “Blimey – that’s a good effort and a long way!”

This bit was in acknowledgement of SADD having the unenviable task of cancelling plans for a 2021 Auckland Conference  – I doubt I need explain much on that score because at the time we made the call – Covid was still a risk to our plans – so any student taking up the invite to travel all that way would be pretty passionate about road safety.  Anyway – I digress……….

“There is one hitch though….. – they are just starting fundraising to pay for the costs of the flights.  It’s roughly $1200 all in and conference regos close in a few days.  Can you help and make a few calls?”

Me – “Ahh….!”

Well – that’s quite a challenge as funding sources I normally turn to aren’t that responsive and require at least a couple of days work to prepare and send something in.  Turnaround for a decision within a 5-day period is quite frankly impossible.  No!....I thought – this is about trying to get a community response.  There was also the other consideration – a small matter of booking flights before all the seats were taken.  We weren’t going to be beaten by that scenario!

I didn’t have a target – anything would help.  Mia was communicating with Savannah and Alexie, I was in touch with Mia whilst selectively calling haulage companies who traded within Northland.  It was a reasonable place to start as awareness of trucks on Northland roads had been cited in the past by students from Northland.

Google search – “trucking and haulage companies Kerikeri” – big or small – hmmm…..I think I’ll try some small ones to start off.

To be fair – we were welcomed by all who answered their phones.  They knew who SADD was and applauded students’ efforts to make sure all kiwis return home safe and well.

However – timing is everything and small companies were still feeling the pinch of Covid and cashflow was a problem – a totally understandable situation.  I thank all who answered the phone to me and listened to what I had to say.  I wish you well.

That trend was apparent after about 3 or 4 calls.  Hmmm – I need to set my sights higher.  My first call to a national household name was to Mainfreight in Whangarei.  I may have not picked the appropriate person for the initial enquiry, but it was the right person (if you get what I mean!). 

I got through to Chris – the Branch Manager.  Again, SADD needed no introduction.  1 call, 1 discussion – “….2 motivated students….opportunity….giving up their own time…” followed up with a comprehensive email from me.  Before the day was out – an email from Chris giving me the news that $300 would be coming our way.  Amazing and incredibly swift. 

I shared the news as quickly as I thanked Chris and found that Savannah and Alexie had also made big strides (as the blog of 27th May details).  The pledges covered the necessary costs and flights were booked.

I still had enquiries outstanding – other businesses took the call, although a strong follow-up and more time would have been necessary – and we had been short of that.

So, what’s the point of me mentioning all of this?

First – SADD has a collective vision and objective.  We do things together and we are nothing without young New Zealanders and their communities.  We treasure our Northland participants, so we never spurn an opportunity to help move their aspirations on and up!  Sometimes opportunity needs a fast response.

All of us could have looked at the task and thought – phew – it’s just too hard!  We’ll never do it in time.  Here at SADD, students and community are at the heart of everything we do – it’s all relevant to our vision.  All elements combined to get this challenge over the line.  I had the fantastic opportunity to sit down with both Savannah and Alexie and chat over their SADD group priorities – what they wanted to leave behind once they finished their year 13. Their families and community will be proud of their efforts and what they intended to take back to Northland – a legacy and a vision.

Big thanks to Chris and Tim - Mainfreight Whangarei.  You believed, played your parts and can be assured the combined efforts of all will be paid forward.