Support Alzheimer’s Gisborne through Spud in a Bucket fundraiser

Sherwood Club volunteer Duncan Gordon (left) and client Richmond Williams help Alzheimer's Gisborne/Tairāwhiti manager Tracy Robinson to prepare the buckets for this year's Spud in a Bucket fundraiser. The buckets and a spud seed can be bought from Bunnings Warehouse from tomorrow.

Spud in a Bucket is back again for 2024, with some exciting additions to the long-running fundraiser for Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti.

Each entrant goes into the draw to win a $250 mystery prize courtesy of event sponsor Bunnings Warehouse.

Each person receives a bucket and a seed potato (rocket), which can be picked up from tomorrow after paying a registration fee of $15.

The potato must be grown in the bucket and remain there until the closing date, December 7, when it will be brought into Bunnings.

The potatoes are weighed and counted.

Two first prizes of a $100 Bunnings gift voucher will be awarded for the heaviest yield and for the most potatoes grown in the bucket.

Additional vouchers will be presented to second and third place-getters.

There are three age categories - under-12, over-12 and under-5.

“Over the years, we have noticed that families are entering as a way of encouraging their whole whānau to participate in some eco-friendly competition while engaging in an introduction to growing their own food,” Alzheimer’s Gisborne manager Tracy Robinson said.

“We have also noticed an uptake in business office rivalry.”

Robinson says it is a wonderful way to have some environmentally friendly fun while supporting a local charity.

“Not only that; you get to eat the fresh spuds for your Christmas dinner.

“Some people take it remarkably seriously.”

Spuds and buckets can be purchased from Bunnings’ foyer from 10am tomorrow and on the following two Saturdays between 10am and 1pm, or at Gisborne Farmers’ Market on September 7.

The potatoes and buckets are also available at the Alzheimer’s Gisborne offices at Gate 2, Gisborne Hospital during office hours.

Alzheimer’s Gisborne/Tairāwhiti supports over 100 people living with dementia in the region.

It provides a three-day programme for up to 25 clients and supports those living in their own homes to be as socially engaged as possible and live their lives to their fullest potential.

Carers and whānau are an essential part of that equation.

Robinson says living with a person with dementia puts an incredible strain on all the family, so Alzheimer’s Gisborne/Tairāwhiti offers a monthly carer support group, education seminars and a grief coaching programme for those interested.

“We are partially funded through the health system for a small proportion of our work. We are hugely dependent on community support through our fundraising to ensure we can continue to offer our services.

“September is World Alzheimer’s Month, so we hope to be more visible in the community through a variety of events.”

For further information, phone 867 0752 or email gisborne.alzheimers@xtra.co.nz.