Drop Your Boss 2015

Guest post from Kelvin Watt, Foundation for Youth Development, Marlborough.

Eighteen business and community leaders from across Marlborough took the ultimate leap of faith recently – jumping out a plane and hurtling thousands of feet back towards terra firma. Fortunately, it was all for a good cause – as part of the Drop Your Boss 2015 skydiving fundraiser – and perhaps more so because they were all securely strapped to one of the professionals from Abel Tasman Skydive.

Raising money for the Kiwi Can values programme in local schools, this was the first Drop Your Boss event involving such significant height. “It’s amazing to see what good people will do for a good cause, especially when it involves helping local kids” says Kelvin Watt, Coordinator of Kiwi Can in the region, “these folks have helped raise over $47,000 which is an incredible effort and a significant contribution to what we do. I know many were quite nervous beforehand, but it’s fantastic to see their smiles as they land”.

There were some obvious butterflies mixed with a sense of anticipation as participants were lead into their pre-flight briefing. “I’m a pilot and I’ve never understood the need to jump out of a perfectly good plane” quipped TvA accountant Geoff van Asch, “I’m about to find out”. Wineworks supervisor, DJ Daniels had just 24 hours to mentally prepare for the jump when his colleagues voted that he would take his boss’ place, who was taken overseas on business.

Also lining up to make the jump were all three teachers from Havelock School, one of the first schools in the region to introduce Kiwi Can. Principal, Ernie Buutveld, says “it’s a great way we can show support for the Kiwi Can programme and it also role models to our students that we’re open to giving things a go”. “I’ve got some serious staffing issues if things go wrong today though” he jokes.

The youngest participant of the day was 12 year-old Kea Bradley, also from Havelock School. Kea didn’t hesitate to put her hand up for the opportunity when it arose. This came about when Sanford General Manager, Ted Culley, (as part of his $19,000 fundraising effort), convinced one of his supporters to sponsor a Kiwi Can student, and Kea was the lucky recipient. “I’ve never been in a plane before, but I’m looking forward to this” Kea causally mentions as she is guided away to get into her flight suit. Nothing but broad beaming smiles greeted onlookers, as one by one they all returned to earth buzzing with excitement (and perhaps a dash of adrenaline).

Kiwi Can teaches important concepts such as respect, resilience and integrity to primary-aged students. In 2016 it will be delivered in 7 schools throughout the region, positively impacting over 630 local kids every week. Research shows that Kiwi Can builds self-confidence, reduces bullying and reinforces positive behaviour.

Drop Your Boss fundraising pages will remain open until the end of November 2015.