New Zealand's first Wash Festival comes to town
Thursday 9 April 2009, 11:05AM
By PPR New Zealand
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Colgate-Palmolive and New Zealand Red Cross are hosting New Zealand's first ever Wash Festival, which will take place on Sunday 19 April at Auckland’s Selwyn Reserve in Mission Bay.
The festival will feature the Ultra Long Clothesline which aims to reach more than 1km in length.
The Ultra Long Clothesline celebrates the launch of Colgate-Palmolive’s new 2x Ultra laundry detergents. The new range is better for consumers and the environment as its concentrated formula requires half as much for the same great results.
As part of the celebration, New Zealanders have been asked to search their homes for pre-loved, good-quality clothing and manchester items, to donate to local Red Cross stores throughout the country. Donated clothing will be hung on the Ultra Long Clothesline at the Wash Festival.
Colgate-Palmolive Managing Director, Jose Manuel Estrada, says his team is extremely excited about the event
“The Wash Festival is all about making laundry fun, while raising funds for the New Zealand Red Cross. The Wash Festival will feature a series of exciting activities, including wash relays and challenges, for the whole family to take part in.
“We have been working closely with New Zealand Red Cross to prepare a great line up of activities and look forward to seeing Aucklanders taking part,” says Mr Estrada.
As well as the Ultra Long Clothesline, wash relays and challenges, the Wash Festival will feature face painting, balloon sculpturing, three-legged races and a sausage sizzle.
New Zealand Red Cross staff will provide first aid at the festival and will also be conducting vital first aid demonstrations including how to help a choking baby, how to assist drowning victims, dealing with cuts and burns and how to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
“These are essential skills for all parents,” says New Zealand Red Cross’ National Retail Manager Patrick Cummings. “We hope that as many people as possible take the chance to learn basic first aid skills and CPR. Knowing these things before you need them can make the difference between life and death.”
New Zealand Red Cross works closely with communities throughout the country, and proceeds from the sale of donated clothing and manchester items will benefit both national and global Red Cross projects.
“The proceeds will help us to help those who need it most,” says Mr Cummings. “We’re delighted to be working with Colgate-Palmolive to host the first ever Wash Festival, and to be the recipient of the washing donations.”
Members of the public can still contribute to the Ultra Long Clothesline by dropping pre-loved, good-quality clothing and manchester donations to your local Red Cross store. Visit www.redcross.org.nz to find your nearest store.