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Orewa Lions Club is gearing up for its annual Big Dig fundraiser, and putting it together is a real community effort.
For 39 years, The Big Dig been a winning formula – children continue to enjoy digging in the sand of Orewa Beach to find iceblock sticks that earn prizes.
Work behind the scenes involves around 30 Lions volunteers, assisted by several other community groups. Local businesses are very supportive in providing prizes. Long time volunteer Mark Rolland will rotary hoe the sand – a task he has taken on at every Big Dig – before Orewa Sea Scout volunteers bury 1000 sticks. The sticks are divided in two roped off sections of beach – one for the under-fives and one for the older ones.
Every child who finds a stick earns a small prize and an entry in a bigger prize draw. Among the prizes are Snowplanet and Leisure Centre passes, Northern Arena swim lessons, Golf HQ lessons, toys and vouchers from local businesses.
As well as the digging itself, there are a range of games and a quickfire raffle. Silverdale Fire Brigade will bring the kitchen fire display with its dramatic billowing flames, and a Hibiscus Coastguard boat and hot rods will be on display.
A tug of war and sack races start at 12 noon.
Proceeds go to local charities, including Orewa Surf Club, which is patrolling the beach on the day. Last year $5000 was raised.
The event is on Saturday, January 23 with registration from 9.30am. Digging starts at 11am for the under-fives and 11.15am for the over-five-year-olds.
Hibiscus Matters is a proud sponsor of The 2021 Big Dig.
