Corporate enterprises wanting to end the year – or start the new year – in a philanthropic way need look no further than Wish4Fish.
The Bay of Plenty-based organisation that benefits New Zealanders with physical disabilities and mental unwellness has launched a new corporate sponsorship package full of feel-goods.
Wish4Fish is looking for corporate sponsorship to prepare for a summer of magic moments involving fishing-based ocean experiences for its special clientele.
Since starting operations in Dec 2021, the Tauranga-berthed, especially-constructed boat has operated 50 charter trips for more than 700 people from within the disabilities community (and their carers).
Wish4Fish general manager Tony Pearce says the aim is to take 1,000 participants out over the next year and is calling for support from local businesses to help provide these magic moments and life-long memories.
The cost of a day’s sponsorship for a boat trip for 20 people is $3,500, which will bring smiles to many faces, he says, and offer a range of benefits to sponsors.
“There’s the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community and to demonstrate corporate social responsibility. There’s also the chance to be part of the day, share in the magic moments as sponsors can send two people to help out for the day,” Tony explains.
While most of the Wish4Fish trips are out of Tauranga, the boat will also be running trips out of the Viaduct in Auckland and the Coromandel and Whangarei next year.
The Wish4Fish boat is the only one of its kind in New Zealand or the rest of the world. It has the capacity for up to 12 wheelchairs, a specially designed lift system to allow wheelchair access, a lift to the flybridge, a fully accessible bathroom and four hospital-style beds – and much more.
“Thanks to that boat, we can help people with disabilities or mental unwellness get out on the water and enjoy the freedom and pleasure of our ocean, and we use fishing as the prime vehicle to achieve this goal. The benefits go way beyond the day out on the water,” Tony says.
“Something significant happens when people are empowered to go fishing. They move from being a disabled person to being a provider. This is a fundamental shift in identity, which allows them to not be defined through the lens of their disability or life challenges. When paired with a strong sense of adventure, comradery and achievement, the positive outcomes, excitement and lift in self-esteem is tangible. You can see it in the faces, eyes and body language of those on board. We witness this every trip – we call these magic moments.”
Those keen to offer – or further, discuss – sponsorship opportunities can contact Tony at tony@wish4fish.co.nz or call Tony on 022 13 400 42.
Key sponsors will be listed on the Wish4fish website, business logos will feature on the boat’s electronic billboards and there will be great social media opportunities – posts will feature on Wish4Fish social media too.
See www.wish4fish for more about the boat and those who have contributed to making the wish4fish dream a reality.
