Neralee joined Shine as our new fundraiser in September this year. She was keen to work in this role because, in her words:
“I am passionate about people, particularly vulnerable people, being treated well. It’s satisfying to be able to do something to help people at risk, who are in bad situations such as experiencing family violence. I have always thought of myself as a feminist and believed in equal choice and opportunities for everyone. Family violence mostly impacts women and children and I’m pleased to be able to help stop the harm.”
It is also quite a personal issue for her, for reasons that she’d rather not make public. But she says, “I am lucky – my partner is wonderful, and it’s a very equal relationship.”
She adds with a smile, “The dog thinks Shane is the boss, but he’s not.”
Neralee was born in Murupara, “it was relatively remote.” She recalls a fantastic upbringing.
“Where I grew up was a wonderland for a kid – streams, horses, motorbikes, Calf Club Day, building huts, playing tricks on people - it was just great. We used to have camps in the middle of the bush, swim in the creek, and learn how to survive in the bush – it was great fun.”
She went to high school in Rotorua, and then on to the University of Waikato where she did a Bachelor of Management Studies. She then moved to Auckland to work in marketing, and eventually moved into advertising.
In her last advertising job, one of her clients was a charity. She was having a bad year, with injury and illness affecting family members, and ended up leaving her job. That charity offered her a job as a fundraiser which she took. She’s never looked back.
She has been working in fundraising for eight or nine years. As she says, “Fundraising is part art and part science. That suits me, I like the creative side and the numbers side.” But importantly for Neralee, fundraising is an opportunity to do something meaningful.
“I love doing something that is more intrinsically rewarding. It’s not as well paid, but I feel really fortunate to be doing good.”
Neralee and her partner have also raised two wonderful children. Her daughter, age 24, is almost done training to be a medical doctor, and her son is nearly 22 and in the middle of training - also - to be a doctor.
“I am really proud of both of them. They’ve both had to work hard and fight through some challenges to get where they are.
“It is so important to be there for your kids, and to let them know it’s ok to take risks and fail. No matter what, Shane and I are there to support our kids, but their work has been 100% theirs, and they have very much chosen their own paths.”
Looking ahead, Neralee is enthusiastic about her plans for Shine fundraising. She wants to build on past fundraising and use her own experience to go in new directions. She’s frank that she also has a lot to learn, which is why she’ll be going to Shine’s DVFREE First Responder training later this week. She really lights up talking about the wonderful people who fundraise for Shine.
“I’ve already communicated with people who are fundraising for Shine in all sorts of creative ways. One amazing lady did a 1920’s party and raised over $1200 from ticket sales – that event took her three months to organise. Another person will be throwing a Halloween party and raising money for Shine. Someone else has organised a darts evening as a company fundraiser, and there are people signing up to do the Auckland Marathon and Round the Bays and fundraising for Shine. We also have lovely relationships with some generous organisations that I’m looking forward to getting in touch with.”
“All these people are so kind-hearted, giving their time and money to Shine – I am just so grateful.”
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You can donate to support Shine’s frontline services, or find out more about Shine at www.2shine.org.nz.
If you have any questions about donating, OR if your business, organisation, team, or group are interested in fundraising for Shine, talk to Neralee. You can contact her at:
NeraleeH@2shine.org.nz or 021 192 3548