The trust behind the campaign is hoping to raise $100,000 to prevent Basketball Otago from going into liquidation and has already raised $5000.
It established a Facebook page on Sunday, and on Tuesday posted its bank account details with the following appeal: ''Help us 'Keep Basketball in Otago' so that we can continue the success stories and ensure the game of basketball is accessible for thousands of players in the Otago area.
''If we do not raise enough money to prevent Basketball Otago from going into liquidation, the money raised from this campaign will be used to promote basketball in Otago in the 2015 season.''
In an email to the Otago Daily Times, trust spokeswoman Angela Ruske said the Facebook page had received more than 400 likes and 1200 visits in its first 24 or so hours.
''So [we] have a reasonable audience to share updates with and hopefully attract some sponsors,'' Ruske wrote.
''We are listed on GiveALittle - http://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/BBOTrust - and while it is waiting for `donor validation', it can accept donations.
''We have set up a trust bank account - which has close to $5000. We only gave out the bank account number [on Tuesday] over Facebook, so don't expect to see anything from that effort for a couple of days.''
The group is also in the process of developing a website - www.keepbasketballinotago.co.nz - where it will be putting details of its fund-raising ideas.
New Zealand NBA player Steven Adams has donated a signed singlet to be raffled. Ruske is hopeful his singlet will attract national attention.
Dual cricket and basketball international Suzie Bates will provide two signed cricket tops. Basketball New Zealand has provided a Tall Ferns uniform which Tall Fern and Goldrush player Samara Gallaher will sign.
The Canterbury Rams are keen to play a pre-season match in Dunedin and have lined up the Southland Sharks as their opponents. The game has not been confirmed, but Rams coach Mark Dickel is optimistic about it going ahead.
Time is precious for the trust behind the fund-raising campaign as BBO will hold a special meeting on December 16 to ratify the appointment of a liquidator.
''If BBO goes into liquidation, not only will this affect the loyal businesses that have supported BBO over the years, but it will also have a significant impact on basketball development in our region,'' the group posted.
''After one of Otago's most successful basketball seasons this is devastating news.''
Anyone interested in supporting the trust can email Ruske at keepbasketballinotago @gmail.com
