Auckland's Gay and Lesbian Welfare Group (AGLW) have launched a new fundraising initiative, where supporters are invited to ‘adopt' a Gayline/Lesbianline phone counselor. “They don't smell bad, they don't talk back and you don't have to worry about feeding or clothing them”, laughs Neil Denney, General Manager of AGLW. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime to adopt a counselor from Gayline to support their training and ongoing development and support and to make Gayline your baby too,” explains Denney. “The idea for the fundraiser came from a drought stricken Australian farmer who decided to adopt out his sheep to cityslickers. Seeing how well the idea worked for an Aussie sheep farmer, made me think it could be transferred to our service – but without the gumboots,” Denney jokes. “AGLW is unique – whilst other community organisations work with much defined groups in the community, AGLW works across the GLTB community with all members, we work with all ages and orientations,” he says. “We attract no government funding and rely on council funding and sponsors. Denney says Gayline is always looking for new ways to raise funds to ensure the continuation of the well-used service, and is hoping to offer more training for potential volunteers. “We are very excited about our new fundraiser and hope the GLTB community gets behind it for us” he says. “The adoption rate for a counselor is $40 for a year and in Auckland terms that's less than the price of eight cappuccinos a year.” Gayline is a telephone helpline staffed by self-accepting gay and lesbian volunteers who have trained to help others over the phone in issues around welfare, identity, sexual health, HIV AIDS and general advice on community resources, groups and activities. “We are the longest running and oldest GLTB service organization in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are proud of our achievements over the last 35 years,” says Denney, “but the demand for our services is growing and this comes at a cost.” The fee helps to support an ‘adoptee' for one year. “Each adoption comes complete with a membership of AGLW, a certificate of adoption, progress reports on training and numerous other wonderful benefits including an invite to the annual Gayline cocktail evening.” Neil Denney can be contacted on 09 309 3268 during business hours, or check the Gayline website on the link below for more information about the service. Ref: AGLW (m)