Cinema at the stadium raises funds for sea cadets

Aliyah Stephens (7, left), of Dunedin, set up camp with her family for a screening of Toy Story 4 under the Forsyth Barr Stadium roof yesterday.

The annual Movie Magic event started at 2pm and attracted about 1600 people who set up picnics and tents on the pitch.

Funds raised from entry donations and coffee and snack vendors went to Dunedin’s TS Waireka Sea Cadet Unit and Port Chalmers’ TS Nimrod Sea Cadets.

TS Nimrod Sea Cadets Lieutenant Elise Allen said it was open to teenagers from age 13, and was all about camaraderie.

"For the parents, it is about teaching their children leadership, self confidence and resilience ... for the kids it is about boating, having fun and travelling."

The funds raised would help to buy life jackets and maintain the boats and premises.

Donations were still being counted at 3pm yesterday, but Sea Cadets unit support committee member Paula Mullins said each unit looked set to pass its goal, which was to raise $1000.

Each year, Dunedin Venues encourages individuals and groups to apply for funding through the Dunedin City Council Community Access Grant scheme to get free or subsidised venue rental at the stadium or the Dunedin Centre to run fundraisers. 

 - Molly Houseman