Nelson, New Zealand – The Nelson Yacht Club, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic sailing institutions, is calling on the community to help secure its future. The club has launched a fundraising campaign on Givealittle, aiming to raise $500,000 to strengthen its buildings and ensure they meet earthquake safety standards. This critical project seeks to protect the club’s rich history while safeguarding it for future generations.
Learn more about the iconic Nelson Yacht Club buildings and its rich history from the PROW website.
The Urgent Need for Strengthening
Founded in 1859, the Nelson Yacht Club has been a cornerstone of the local maritime community for over a century. However, the club’s historic buildings are not currently up to modern earthquake safety standards. The potential risk of an earthquake poses a serious threat to the structural integrity of these buildings, which are vital for the club’s operations and its role in the community.
The necessary strengthening work involves seismic upgrades to ensure that the club’s facilities can withstand significant seismic activity. This project includes reinforcing building structures, updating safety systems, and ensuring that the premises can safely accommodate its members and visitors in the event of an earthquake.
Fundraising Efforts
To fund this essential work, the Nelson Yacht Club has turned to the community for support. Their Givealittle page has been set up to facilitate donations and rally support from both local residents and those who have an affinity for the club’s storied past. The goal is to raise $500,000 to cover the costs of the seismic strengthening project.
The Importance of the Nelson Yacht Club
The Nelson Yacht Club is not just a historical institution; it is also a hub for sailing enthusiasts and a key player in local maritime activities. The club offers a range of sailing events, training programmes, and social gatherings that are integral to Nelson’s maritime culture.
Club Manager, Tim Fraser-Harris, emphasise the significance of the work for the wider community. “I guess the key is that rather than just a building project, our fundraising efforts are more to ensure the future of the club and all the awesome activities that take place here⏤from learn to sail programmes, to Sailing for the disabled, the Nelson Sea Swims, yacht races, club racing and regattas, weddings, funerals, community events etc… It is a special community facility that as kaitiaki, we need to strengthen and look after for future generations.”
Preserving the club’s facilities and ensuring their safety is essential not only for the club’s continued operation but also for maintaining the rich heritage that the Nelson Yacht Club represents. By supporting the fundraising campaign, donors are contributing to the preservation of an important piece of New Zealand’s maritime history.
How to Contribute
Members of the public are encouraged to support the Nelson Yacht Club’s fundraising efforts by donating through their Givealittle page. Contributions of any amount are welcome and will go directly towards the seismic strengthening project. Donations can be made online at the Givealittle page.
In addition to monetary donations, the club is also seeking support from local businesses and organisations. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those looking to make a more substantial impact on the project.
A Call to Action
The Nelson Yacht Club’s call for support is a critical appeal to the community. The club’s historical significance and its role in the local maritime scene underscore the importance of this project. By contributing to the fundraising campaign, you can play a part in ensuring that this cherished institution remains a safe and active part of Nelson’s future.
As the club embarks on this crucial journey to strengthen its buildings, it is calling on all those who value its heritage and ongoing role in the community to step forward and contribute. Your support will help secure the future of the Nelson Yacht Club, preserving it as a beacon of maritime tradition and community spirit for many years to come.
Please donate at the Givealittle Page that has been set up to help the Nelson Yacht Club raise this much needed funding https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/strengthening-nzs-oldest-yacht-club-for-future
