GOPIO NZ (Global Organisation of Persons of Indian Origin) successfully raised over $7000 toward efforts by New Zealand’s Indian community to add a fully equipped ambulance to the St John fleet.
GOPIO chapters worked hard selling raffle tickets to raise the funds over the past several weeks. The raffle draw was held at a function at Sangeet Restaurant on June 12, which GOPIO members, St John Ambulance personnel and sponsors were present.
The raffle was drawn by Glen Green and Michelle from There’s Better Way, a Commumity organisation, that is successfully working with youth groups in central Auckland.
The proceeds of the raffle will go toward the fund being pooled in by the Kiwi Indian community across New Zealand toward the fully equipped ambulance for the St John ambulance service, which is expected to cost about $160,000. Indian Weekender is proud to have initiated this community project.
Speaking at the function, GOPIO President Rakesh Gupta commended the hard work put in by all the chapters led by their respective presidents in their efforts to raise the funds. The organisation has been working relentlessly toward fund raising for community causes.
On April 17, the GOPIO executive committee handed a chenque of $5350 to Red Cross NZ toward its fund for the victims of the Christchurch earthquakes. In addition, GOPIO NZ members have also contributed personally in cash and provided assistance to Cantabrians directly through Red Cross and other organisations. The organisation’s Waikato chapter held all Faith prayers during the difficult times.
Indian Weekender publisher Giri Gupta praised GOPIO NZ for time and efforts toward the fundraising activity. “This is a project for the larger community by the Indian community in gratitude for the great opportunities New Zealand has offered Kiwi Indians,” he said.
GOPIO’s Marketing Co-Chairman Sunny Kaushal proposed a vote of thanks at the function.
The prizes drawn were as follows:
1st Prize: 0516 Ticket sold by GOPIO Auckland Central. Winner: Cheryl Jacobsen from Fisher & Paykel. The prize, a 50'' PanasonicPlasma TV, was sponsored by Global Finance Services Ltd.
2nd Prize: 0762 Ticket sold by GOPIO Auckland Central. Winner: Ravi Mehta from Price Waterhouse Coopers. The prize, an I-Pad, was sponsored by Patton Refrigeration Ltd.
3rd Prize: 1094 Ticket sold by GOPIO Botany. Winner: Arthav Saluja. The “Mystery Weekend for two in New Zealand” prize was jointly sponsored by Travel Design Ltd and GOPIO.
4th Prize: 1265 Ticket sold by GOPIO Botany. Winner: Phil Evans. The prize: a weekend stay for two including breakfast at Stamford Plaza Hotel (June-Aug 2011).
5th Prize: 0709 Ticket sold by GOPIO Auckland Central. Winner: Avneel Rohit. The prize: Dinner for 4 value $200 at Sangeet Restaurant (sponsored by Sangeet).