Thought I would hop away from the usual business topics of the day – and comment on a fundraiser we coordinated recently that was designed to help save native NZ frogs from extinction.
A few years ago we were approached by Dr Phil Bishop from Otago University to support his work in some way – and rather than go down the logo/tees/caps scenario we ended up sponsoring the development of a website called nzfrogs.org – a one-stop-site for school kids, academics, students and frog fans to learn about our very special native NZ frogs.
Being called Frog Recruitment – we were sitters to be contacted by Dr Phil because this is a man on a mission – he loves/adores/is fascinated by and studies frogs. And he wants to halt their extinction.
Some facts…
1) Sadly, the native Archery frog is the #1 most endangered amphibian in the whole world. Archey is on the edge of disappearing.
2) 32% of the world’s frogs have disappeared in the last 15 years
I visited Phil in Dunedin in 2006. Now, to digress slightly, I have to say Phil’s office is no minimalist, designer, bland space – it is full of frog stuff everywhere. Everywhere.
It was hard to focus on Phil actually.
And, after a while, one slowly becomes conscious of buzzing and insect noises in the office as well – yes, the ‘frog food’ in action.
I think it was here, being allowed to see the tiny wee Maude Island frogs which have all but disappeared, I realised our involvement couldn’t be an easy, casual attempt – but needed to consist of heart and soul and be useful. (Even though, I must confess, I would never ever agree to hold a frog).
I know for many organisations, ‘getting involved’ boils down to writing a cheque – no emotion, just a transaction.
And given the state of the local and world economies right now – trying to enthuse people about saving frogs is not exactly the easiest task in the world… they are not furry, do not wear cute wee dresses and are not as sexy as the kiwi.
But we had to get immersed we felt, and as this year is the International Year of the Frog (conservation wise) so we hosted a cocktail party called ‘Plight of the Frogs – A Party for Survival’.
And talk about a distraction. Of course, what seemed to be so straight forward was not so in reality. However, it was a positive energising experience as the day to day business activity took on a new fervour.
According to Dr Phil – it was the first time in the world that a group of people (150) had got together to save frogs, other than scientists.
And people willingly gave of their time to support the frogs: Sue Kedgley, Wallace Chapman, Ruud Kleinpaste, Boh Runga, Helen Talbot and Anna Coddington (wonderful up & coming musician), Suzie Cato plus the team at frog who looked beautiful as ‘frog models with goggles’ and sponsors and suppliers.
We raised $7000 – plus our spirits, a sense of achievement and our heart rates … and in this world of chaos and turmoil, along with all who attended, we put all that stuff to one side and showed we cared about a little wee frog the size of a $2 coin called Archey. So cool.
