Concert fans pay-it-forward

One-hundred tickets to New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park were able to be donated thanks to the generosity of those who chose to pay-it-forward at the checkout.

As part of the ticket purchasing process for the 18 February concert, buyers could opt to donate $5, $10 or $25 to go toward purchasing a ticket for someone who would otherwise not be able to attend. Pay-it-forward was added to the ticket purchasing system for the biennial concert in 2016 to promote inclusivity.

Nelson City Council Community Services Group Manager Andrew White said it was wonderful to see so many people use the pay-if-forward system, resulting in over $2,500 being raised.

“New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park was a fantastic event, and thanks to the generosity of our community, even more Nelsonians got to experience it first-hand – ka pai.”

The tickets were given to Victory Community Centre to donate. Victory Community Centre Community Coordinator Steve McLuckie said the tickets were given to Victory School whānau, former refugee whānau who access services and support at the centre, and some of the centre's volunteers, all of whom were very thankful.

“We were stoked to be able to distribute the pay-it-forward tickets to local Victory community members. We’ve had awesome feedback from people who were able to attend, some of the children who attended described it as the best night ever. Stan Walker’s performance was a particular highlight.”

Overall, 7,300 tickets were sold to the concert, the biggest crowd in 10 years.