Amberley embraces coupon book

ncn_banner.png

The new coupon book gets the thumbs-up from Brett Jones, owner/manager of the Amberley Post Shop, and Amberley School's head boy, Leo Bain. Photo: Supplied
The new coupon book gets the thumbs-up from Brett Jones, owner/manager of the Amberley Post Shop, and Amberley School's head boy, Leo Bain. Photo: Supplied
A fundraiser is not only helping to buy Amberley School kids stationery but also giving the business community a boost.

The school has launched the inaugural Amberley Coupon Book, and the response has been phenomenal, says principal Simon Green.

Board of trustees member Laura Cropper sowed the seed for the fundraising initiative in her desire to connect the town with the school and promote local businesses.

Mr Green said the result was the coupon book and if the school can sell the number it has had printed, it will raise enough to pay for the beginning-of-the-year stationery for all students in 2020.

The school has been working to strengthen its relationship with Amberley businesses and organisations.

''We appreciate the amazing support they give us.''

Mr Green says many schools and community groups use regional entertainment-type coupon books as fundraisers.

Last year, the school was offered this opportunity, but when the visiting promoter pitched the idea to a group of senior students, it did not go down well.

Their first comment was, ''there are hardly any Amberley businesses in here - our families wouldn't really use this because we don't go into Christchurch a lot''.

''The point of difference for our coupon book is that it is specific to businesses in the Amberley township.

''Organisations were approached by the Amberley School FAST (Fundraising and Social Team) to be included in the book, and it was put together by Laura, who is a graphic designer.

''The finished product is impressive,'' he says.

The books cost $20 each and contain more than $300 worth of savings across 30 Amberley businesses.

The vouchers last for one year and are available from the school, Arthur Burke, or Envisage in Amberley.

Mr Green says Amberley School, like every other school, is working hard to find new and innovative ways to fundraise.

Last year, the school partnered with the Kowai Archives to create a historical calendar showcasing the history of the wider Amberley area. The calendars sold out in weeks.

In a few weeks, the school will run the second annual Amberley Rellie Challenge (ARC) at the Amberley Domain, which teams up family members to tackle a series of fun challenges.