Duo on fundraiser track

Gillian Kent-Smith (left) and Elle Hacker, with Lillian Leathem, of New World in Regent, with the cellphone cases they have made to support charities. Photo / John Stone

Two Whangarei students have devised an innovative way to support charities in their hometown - by selling cellphone cases.

Elle Hacker and Gillian Kent-Smith will donate just over $900 each to the Red Cross, White Ribbon and CanTeen, through the initiative.

New World in Regent has decided to buy all 400 phone cases with designs of the three charities and to sell them instore. The initiative is part of their enterprise subject at school where they have to sell a product or service.

"We intended to do something for the community or charities where the focus was not about us making a profit but to help a worthy cause," Gillian said.

The Whangarei Girls' High School students had to find a supplier for the cellphone cases before making the designs which will then be imbedded on the product by the supplier.

The cases are different sizes and are for iPhones four, five and six.

They are being sold for $15 each at New World in Regent.

"Everyone has cellphone these days with multiple cases. In the beginning, we did some market research to see if the product can sell and we also looked at different places to sell the cases," Elle said.

The girls hoped to sell the cases within three months. Regent New World owner Todd Leathem said his business was happy to support such community initiatives.

"We're a locally-owned store and we're big on supporting the community when they approach us and this is a good way of helping the students."