We’re extremely grateful to all those who provide their ideas, time, support and donations to The Little Miracles Trust.
A consistent theme we encounter in our work is the very special people who choose to get involved. From those who give their time and support to the care of neonatal babies, the families themselves who go above and beyond for others, and the social profit space in general. We’re keen to highlight some of these wonderful people with a regular profile piece.
Below is a profile of Virgina Keast who looked to give back to recognise the care and support received when her son Oliver arrived early.
How did you come to fundraise for The Little Miracles Trust?
Our first born, Oliver, came 5 ½ weeks early and spent some time in the Neonatal ward at Wellington hospital. My pregnancy had various complications, so Oliver was early and little, and I was quite unwell. The staff at Wellington hospital were wonderful at looking after Olly, and The Little Miracles Trust and their volunteers did a fantastic job at providing support to our family. This year I felt that Virginia Keast Zumba had reached a point where we could run a fundraiser and make a meaningful contribution to The Trust – so we just went for it.
How did you fundraise for The Little Miracles Trust?
My business, “Virginia Keast Zumba” runs Zumba fitness classes in central Wellington (mornings, evenings and weekends). In June, we ran a fundraiser for The Little Miracles Trust called “The Big Week for Little Feet”. Virginia Keast Zumba agreed to donate 50% of all proceeds from every Zumba class in the Big Week to The Little Miracles Trust. Class participants were encouraged to come to as many classes in the Big Week as they could, and to bring along friends, family and colleagues, so that we could raise as much money for The Trust as possible. To help give everyone that little bit of extra energy, the wonderful folks at Elizabeth Arden donated 8 gorgeous prize packs – 1 to be drawn at each of the 8 classes in The Big Week.
What was your favourite part of fundraising for The Little Miracles Trust?
It was such a great experience fundraising for The Little Miracles Trust. The Trust were really supportive of the fundraiser, and just amazing to deal with. Elizabeth Arden NZ were incredibly generous in supporting our fundraiser with their gorgeous prize packs. AND my Zumba class regulars were outstanding: they danced up a storm over the Big Week; they gave extra donations; they liked and shared Facebook posts, and they brought along their friends and colleagues.
How many other people do you know who have had a neonatal experience?
I was really surprised when I started the fundraiser just how many of my Zumba class regulars had had a neonatal experience, be it with their own child, a family member’s child, a grandchild, or in some cases they had spent time in a neonatal ward when they were babies.
What other fundraising have you done, if any?
Virginia Keast Zumba has been part of more general Zumba fundraisers before, but this was the first fundraiser we have done on our own. It was a great success, and we would love to work with The Little Miracles Trust again.
For more information on Virginia Keast Zumba, please go to: www.virginiak.zumba.com or like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/VirginiaKeastZumba
The below image is a collage of all the wonderful people who attended a Virginia Keast Zumba class in “The Big Week for Little Feet”, including the winners of each gorgeous Elizabeth Arden prize pack.
