Tracy Chisholm, the daughter of Te Awamutu News’ Person of the Year for 2023, Paul Walker, is hoping next month’s Colour Run at Lake Ngā Roto will be a precursor event set to inject more ‘fun’ into local fundraisers.
Tracy has held the volunteer position of secretary/treasurer of the Hato Hone St John Te Awamutu area committee for the past 16 years.
Paul Walker
She’s behind the idea to replace the usual street appeal type fundraising with one that will see hundreds of runners daubed in bright colours for a run around Lake Ngā Roto on April 7.
“Maybe it’s time to have some real fun with our fundraisers. Colour runs are held for other organisations, why not do it here?” she said. “For those concerned about the environment, the ‘paints’ will be cornflour… safe, enviro-friendly and even gluten-free. Everything has been cleared with the council.”
Tracy reckons that, like many of her wider family, she has volunteering blood running through her veins.
“I guess I’m what they call a St John ‘lifer’… started when I was 10 years old. I’ve done the cadets, done the paramedic thing, been a youth leader.”
Part of Tracy’s current role is supporting projects aimed at making sure Te Awamutu St John wheels keep turning to finance the many, often hidden, services they provide.
“All the money we raise locally goes back into the wellbeing our own community. That might be supporting staff with training opportunities, helping our volunteers and teams at events or supporting our teams in responding to incidents,” she said. “Those funds mostly go towards the behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps us going.”
Tracy has taken her attempt to shake things up a little to the next level. The Colour Run will have all the usual side activities, spot prizes and refreshments, and will showcase St John elements such as CPR, youth member activities, plus the major incident support team (of which Tracy is a member), but she is also suggesting businesses ‘buy’ one of the seven colours on offer and get their promotional signage done in that colour.
“It will be a fun way to engage them. We’re very supportive of Black Friday and think it’s a great way for businesses to return the favour.”
If they’d prefer pre-registration via Fiona.Edwards@stjohn.org.nz, but there will also be registration on the day.
Tracy stressed that the 10am-2pm event won’t be a race as such. Anyone arriving at any stage can start their run or walk, and all ages are welcome. The ‘colour’ component starts at 10am and will keep going until the colour powder is exhausted.
Tracy Chisholm can’t wait to splatter runners in a flurry of colours next month … all in the name of St John.
