Take a good look at that photo of the whiteboard below and tell me we’re not crazy! I thought so.

The 19th and 20th of December are, of course, the dates of SAFE’s annual street appeal, which has become the organisation’s largest coordinated event. The scale of the appeal is huge. SAFE typically coordinates events involving only a few centres and only 20 to 40 volunteers. Next month our team will simultaneously coordinate appeal activities in at least 35 cities or towns and organise over 1200 people. It is one crazy time.

I recall walking into the Auckland SAFE office and being calmly advised everything was in hand. Eliot, the master-in-chief of the whiteboard marker, foolishly pointed to their whiteboard. ”See! We’re organised!” Eliot skited. My bulging eyes and horrified gasp were a little too revealing. Had the poor boy gone mad? Were they using toxic marker pens? I feared the worst. My visit to assist was too late. Feeling my unease, Eliot quickly assured me they had astute organisational skills, whereas I was quickly assuming: a) Eliot had lost the plot but found drawing pretty coloured symbols and boxes therapeutic, b) Aucklanders were in fact highly complicated and much more evolved than the rest of the country and, c) they enjoyed confusing me!

Of course, Eliot and the team were right to claim they were organised. Like the rest of the country, the Auckland appeal was well managed and a huge success, although it could have done with more collectors. A lack of collectors is a common problem in most centres each year so if you have ever thought about helping out in your area, now would be an ideal time. Registration is easy and you can collect whenever suits over either day.

Despite the crazy planning, I can’t wait for each SAFE appeal. It unifies caring New Zealanders in support of SAFE. The funds raised ensure we continue to be a strong voice for animals for the coming year, and it helps to promote SAFE in a positive and fun way. This inspires more people to become involved. While being a coordinator or whiteboard commander might drive you crazy, being a collector is an extremely rewarding experience. I hope we can rely on you to be part of what will surely be another outstanding appeal. In between the madness, it will be fun!

Anthony Terry
Director

PS: Oh yeah, this year Auckland’s whiteboard is twice the size! Eliot’ll need more pens!

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