This year's Heroic Gardens tour raised $40,000 for the NZ AIDS Foundation's Burnett Centre Wellness Fund. "This is the biggest cheque I've seen in my time with the Foundation," NZAF Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said at the funds' presentation at the Foundation's head office in Auckland yesterday evening. Burnett Centre manager Wayne Otter thanked the assembled group for "opening up your gardens and houses for people to go tramping through." Over the last decade, the Heroic Gardens have given over $375,000 to the Auckland City Mission's Herne Bay House. Since Herne Bay House is now closed, this year's funds are going to the Burnett Centre Wellness Fund, which provides direct individual care and support for all those living with HIV in Auckland, irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Heroic Gardens' organiser Shane Neal this year's amount raised is a little less than in previous years, “but it's still the largest fundraiser from any gay group.” Neal's already looking to next year's Gardens weekend, saying he's always on the lookout for some “new life and new gardens” to add to the selection. A link to a picture of Shane Neil, Wayne Otter, Rachael Le Mesurier – and the $40,000 cheque – is available on the link below. A link to the official Heroic Gardens website is also provided. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 24th March 2007 - 12:00pm