Bosses go over the edge for good cause

Bay of Plenty Times general manager David Mackenzie was among 25 Bay bosses to be dropped off the Regional House, on Elizabeth Street for the Foundation for Youth Development. Photo / Ruth Keber

Bay bosses took the plunge off a five-storey Tauranga building yesterday to raise more than $20,000 for the Foundation for Youth Development (FYD).

Twenty-six Tauranga leaders took the challenge, Drop Your Boss, and abseilled off Regional House on Elizabeth St to raise funds for the Bay of Plenty branch of the organisation.

Foundation for Youth Development regional manager Dan Allen-Gordon said yesterday's event was a great success with more than $21,500 raised for the foundation.

Mr Allen-Gordon said he was amazed how brave each of the leaders were.

"These brave community leaders taking the plunge for kids is certainly inspiration," he said.

Mr Allen Gordon said there was already a waiting list for people wanting to participate next year.

There had been two similar events in Marlborough and Waikato.

Bay of Plenty Times general manager David Mackenzie, who took part in the event, said there was "an element of nerves" as he got ready for the drop.

Mr Mackenzie said he did not have a fear of heights going into the challenge but "the older you get, the harder it gets".

The hardest part was going over the top, and putting all your trust in the abseiling gear, he said. Mr Mackenzie said the event was for a fantastic cause and it was a great way to raise money and have fun at the same time.

The Bay of Plenty Times raised $1200 for the foundation.

Vodafone New Zealand regional manager Andrew Hitchfield said he was glad the drop was over when he reached the ground at the bottom of the five-storey building.

It was a fantastic cause and the Vodafone team were able to raise $500, he said.

"The team couldn't wait to see me jump off the building," he said.

Mr Hitchfield agreed the day should be made an annual event.

Other Drop Your Boss bosses who participated included Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, and Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell.