Auckland
 Chapter

About Room to Read Chapters

Room to Read depends on our chapter leaders and chapter members to help us achieve our annual fundraising goal and to represent Room to Read. Our chapters are comprised of groups of individuals who have made a long-term volunteer commitment to promoting Room to Read within their networks and communities. The chapters organize annual fundraising events, introduce us to potential corporate, foundation and individual supporters and act as representatives for Room to Read within their area.

About the 
Auckland
 Chapter

Room to Read Auckland is the first New Zealand chapter to be developed, founded in 2010. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city so this chapter plays an important role in our development here. Auckland's aims for 2011-2012 are (1) Promoting Room to Read in NZ, (2) Developing a strong network of volunteers, and (3) Fundraising for Room to Read. Interested volunteers should contact newzealand@roomtoread.org. Please also 'like' us on Facebook - "Room to Read New Zealand".

Meet the 
Auckland
 Chapter Leaders

Kirsty Furness
Kirsty is currently completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Mieke and Kirsty value education highly and have worked for numerous charities in the past before finding a joint passion in Room to Read. Kirsty spent her early years growing up in South Africa so helping lead the set up of Room to Read in Auckland is an opportunity to give something back to the country she grew up in.

Mieke Sachsenweger
Mieke is a Registered Clinical Psychologist. She met Kirsty while studying for her Doctorate at Massey University. Both were inspired after reading John Wood's book "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World" and wanted to play a large role in forming the New Zealand branch of Room to Read. Together they formed a team to make this happen, and have been growing from strength to strength since

Upcoming Events

Event Photos

Past Events

Auckland Chapter's first ever event was held at Massey University Albany in Auckland on June 15 2011. The event was opened with a presentation on Poverty by Professor Stuart Carr, and was followed by excerpts from John Wood's book by Auckland leader Mieke Sachsenweger. NZ Development Director Matthew Dodd flew up from Nelson for the event and spoke about his experiences visiting Room to Read efforts in Cambodia the week prior which captivated the audience. Kirsty Furness completed the presentation with developments in Auckland and information on how volunteers can get involved. The night was a resounding success with many of the attendees indicating interest in volunteering, several buying books and donating, and with the Auckland leaders securing donations of food and wine to support the evening. Photographer John McGregor donated his time and expertise to capture the evening.

Get Involved with the Chapter!

Volunteer with your local chapter: We're thrilled to hear of your interest in getting involved with the chapter! Volunteering with a Room to Read chapter is not only a great way to help further Room to Read's mission, but also to meet new people! Volunteer opportunities include helping to plan events, giving small presentations about Room to Read's work, and introducing Room to Read to new supporters! If you would like to learn more, please update your profile by filling out the Volunteer Form.

 

Organize your own fundraiser or start an online campaign: Whether you’re running a race, encouraging wedding guests to donate in lieu of gifts, hosting a party at your home, or raising money just because you believe in our mission, the personalized fundraising tool will allow you share the Room to Read story with your friends and family through your own web pages and email messages. You can also track the success of your email campaigns and your progress towards your fundraising goal. Check out our Friends Asking Friends section!

 

Chapters

Our chapters raise 1/3 of our budget so more dollars fund our programs.  Help them, help us!

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