A group of young professionals from across sectors, including ArchitectureNow columnist Maria Mingallon of Mott Macdonald, have organised the 10x10 Auckland fundraiser, which will benefit three charities that are doing community work in areas impacted by COVID-19.

The event is part of 10x10 New Zealand, which is a 100 per cent volunteer run organisation working to empower a new generation of passionate philanthropists and create a sustainable movement for grassroots giving, and will take place on 28 October 2020 at Grid AKL. Proceeds will benefit three charities: Orange Sky, The Aunties and Baskets of Blessing.

The event brings professionals together for a live crowdfunding event that is “Dragon’s Den style”. The three charities pitch for funds from the event audience. Sam Stubbs, managing director of nonprofit KiwiSaver provider Simplicity will be the event’s ‘Dragon for Good’.

Head of Auckland for 10x10 Alaina McGregor said, “10x10’s model is the solution for young professionals wanting to be involved in social change but who lack the time, knowledge and infrastructure to do so in a meaningful way.”

“The onset of COVID-19 means the need for 10x10 in the community has never been greater because many charities have lost important funding streams during times of lockdown,” added McGregor.

“New Zealanders have a pride in supporting their own and while this is an Auckland based event, we know that COVID-19 knows no borders so it was important for us to select charities which are supporting people around the country,” she said.

Orange Sky offers free mobile laundry and shower services for people experiencing homelessness in Auckland and Wellington. The Aunties provides practical and emotional support to women in Auckland who have experienced violent relationships. Baskets of Blessing is a Queenstown community group that provides practical support for individuals and families going through difficult times. The volunteer run organisation has scaled exponentially this year, becoming an essential service, and producing 14,000 meals since April.

The 10x10 philanthropy model is used in cities and towns across the globe to fundraise and works like this:

• 10x10 connects 10 volunteers who form a project committee
• The committee organises a crowdfunding event – sourcing venue, food and beverage and other event sponsors
• The committee identifies three grassroots charities to support
• Each committee volunteer invites 10 friends, each donating $100
• At the event, each guest is given two $50 ‘charity money’ notes, empowering the guest to select the cause that most resonates
• The event is a networking event and pitching presentation for the charities to engage the audience of young professionals - the future of philanthropy
• Each event raises a minimum of $10,000 which is shared as determined by the audience.

You can make a tax-deductible pledge which secures attendance at the 10x10 Auckland event or to simply make a donation which will go towards the three charities on the night at 10x10gives.com.