In March 2007, over the blue skies of Matamata, 50 teenagers achieved a milestone in their lives and earned a place in New Zealand History as the first civilians to skydive from an RNZAF Hercules.  JUMP START created the opportunity for a select group of Teenagers, from CanTeen and Project K, to experience a tandem skydive that day.

JUMP START is a charity event which asks the skydiving community to help raise money to sponsor selected teenagers to challenge themselves and experience something truly unique.  The Tandem Masters, Skydivers, Camera men and the RNZAF all donated their time, resources and aircraft to the event. The event was an astounding success, and deeply affected the lives of all involved that day.  On  Saturday 16th February 2008 at Whenuapai Airbase, Auckland, JUMP START is on again and we’d love you to be involved.  If you were involved in the 2007 event and helped make history then you’ll need little encouragement to get involved again. If you missed out on being involved in 2007 then this is one event you don’t want to miss being part of, jumping from a Hercules etches a permanent grin on your dial that is hard to remove.  Coupled with being involved in a charitable affair makes this “The Skydiving Event” of 2008.

Jump Start is fully supported by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) & the Parachute Training & Support Unit (PTSU) who will provide a C130 Hercules aircraft for the event. 
Once again Jump Start invites 50 selected young people (25 students from Project K  and 25 members from Canteen ) to experience a tandem skydive.  These organisations were chosen as they both deal with young people facing challenges in their lives.  Project K and CanTeen provide the context for “Jump Start” to be a generator for growth and confidence in young people.

How do I get involved and get on the ramp you ask ?
This year we’ve made it even easier for you to help raise funds and get on the ramp.  We’re using the services of www.fundraiseonline.co.nz, a web based fundraising service that allows anyone to build their own personal fundraising web page complete with secure credit card donation processing facilities. All money raised is then passed directly and automatically to Jump Start. Using this online system means that you don’t have any messy handwritten forms to handle, money to collect and receipts to issue. It’s all done for you, saving all of us time and money.

How much do I need to raise ?
This year to get on the ramp we’ve set the minimum donation level at $300 and for jumpers not donating services on the day  e.g. participating Tandem Masters and Videographers, we’d like to see you donate at least $100 personally.

To set up your own personal fundraising  page just click this link: http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/fundraise/useremail.asp?e=277&direct=1&c=116  
and follow the instructions.  When setting up your page please change the amount you are trying to fundraise to a minimum of $300. 

You can check out an example by visiting:  http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/LarsBojsenMoller/

One you’ve set up your own fundraising page please feel free to use the sample letter that I’ve used to ask people to sponsor Jump Start.    Just remember to insert your sponsorship webpage link and personalise it with your details.

See you on the ramp!

Want more information ?
FOR ALL THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT JUMP START VISIT OUR FAQs HERE