Any Suggestions? (School Science & Engineering Comp in NZ)

[blu-dog]

Sorry Ladies and Gents, but this one is not bowhunting / archery related.

I'm just after some of the suggestions and lateral thinking that members of this site seem to be very good with!

Last weekend, a team of seven, Grades 4-6 boys from my school (I'm a teacher for those of you that may not know), represented the Wide Bay District in the Science and Engineering Challenge of the State Optiminds Final. The boys did a great job and won the weekend long competition and have now been selected to represent Qld in New Zealand. The problem here is that our school is unable to contribute financially to the team - but will pay for the facilitator to attend and provide support with logistics and organisation. The NZ trip is only 3.5 weeks away. I'm not asking anyone for contributions here - just ideas!!! Do you have any suggestions for sponsorship or ways of getting support for the boys? We have been informed that the best case scenario price for participants is $890 - but in reality to expect a cost of approx $1000 for the students.

Any ideas will be very much appreciated! And yes you have guessed it - I do have a vested interest here, 2 of the team members are my sons...

http://www.opti-minds.com/about_optiminds.asp

Regards,
Paul

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Hey, congratulations!

Get big mobs of local media publicity; perhaps ask businesses to contribute and then they would be mentioned for their kindness in the paper.

[blu-dog]

Thanks Ben - just had that chat with the Mrs...she has just contacted the local University Campus and we are going to contact some local Engineering firms tomorrow. The school has already contacted the local paper.

[stickshooter]

sound's like the parent's have to foot the bill Bluedog,where's the comp at?
cheers
Nigel

[bigbob]

Have you tried googling up various grants etc, as I seem to remember Mc Donalds for one, having grants available for various sporting endeavours etc. and for such a meritorious event should be similar possibilities available.

[blu-dog]

Yeah Nigel - we do, and are all happy to support our kids in this next step. But I know for a couple of the families that are involved - things are pretty tough at the moment. Michelle and I have just had a chat about how we'll cover our boys - but for families with single parents or without employment, they'll be doing it a whole heap tougher... and I'd hate to see those boys miss out when the comp gets closer.

The boys are heading for Waitara.

[blu-dog]

Duhhh - how could I have NOT thought of McDonalds!!!

Thank you!!! - will follow that one up tomorrow.

[kerry]

Bundy council could be worth a rattle.

[Stickbow Hunter]

Check with your Local Member also - he might be able to pull some strings.

Jeff

[Rock Steady]

It went against my nature but we went hat in hand and knocked on every business door in town, we did that to get the club started and where blown away by how many businesses happily helped us out.

[blu-dog]

Thanks gentlemen...had not thought of Council or Gov't either! Appreciate your input!

[Nephew]

Hit up some of the larger mining companies, Paul...after all they are making enormous profit out of what belongs to all of us, they can afford to help out a bit and this gives them a chance to show they can be good corporate citizens! They're on a bit of a P.R. blitz to rehabilitate their image at the moment so I'd imagine this would fit just nicely.

[blu-dog]

Wasn't sure if we should approach any Mining Companies - as we're not from an area that has any real mining industry activity. But will look into it - thanks Moreton.

[Nephew]

Tell 'em they would be contributing to the development of tomorrows mining engineers! That way they can continue to turn a publicly owned resource asset into immorally huge private super-profit for at least one more generation!


BTW, This opinion in no way reflects on the mine workers, just the soulless, vampiric , societal parasites that own/run or sit on the boards of mining companies.

[rodlonq]

Paul,

Congratulations on the boys getting through to the top level of the competition, I bet they are stoked. Perhaps the almighty Polar Bear could help out, distilleries need engineers as well I know it sends a mixed message to the kids but it would be better than staying home.

Cheers........... Rod