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Fundraising to teach Water Safety in memory of Jack Skellett

$4,541 donated

Given by 80 generous donors in 7 weeks

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Raising money to put towards kayak and ocean safety training to help prevent future tragedies on the water.

Wellington

In the week leading up to Christmas last year, keen outdoorsman Jack Skellett tragically lost his life after being separated from his kayak in the Wellington harbour having just turned 23. Jack was dearly loved by his parents Karen and Adam, their only child, a great friend to many across New Zealand and around the world, a talented player in his football team VUWAFC, a valued member of staff at Victoria Recreation Centre, and a generally inspiring individual who’s absence will be permanently felt by all who knew him.

Jacks life was taken from him too soon, however in those 23 years he lived every day to its fullest and his influence was felt around the world by everyone that he met during his travels. Many people have reached out to make a donation and his family would like to put the money towards funding kayak and water safety courses, as well as a donation to a local charitable conservation effort in honour of Jack. Their aim is for young people to learn about the importance of staying safe on the water to help prevent other families from going through this in the future. All donated money will go directly to his family who will arrange this in due time.

Connor Booth's involvement (page creator)

I am a friend of Jack who is in close contact with his parents.

Use of funds

The majority of the funds will be put towards supporting kayak and ocean safety courses for young people to learn how to keep themselves safe. Which safety courses they will fund is currently undecided. If there is money left over, Jacks family would like to donate it to a local conservation effort on his behalf.

Kayak Safety Workshop - Funded with your donations 25 January 2023

Hello everyone,

I hope you all are having a great summer and keeping safe out there.

I just wanted to send out an update in regards to all of your generous donations to this fundraiser. Jack's mum and dad Karen & Adam with the help of their respective partners Mark & Gina have been hard at work arranging for the funds to go into Kayak safety training, open for members of the community to sign up free of charge. This has been arranged to take place on Thursday the 26th of January 2023 at Days Bay (not far from the location that Jack was found) through Wildfinder, an outdoor adventure business based in Eastbourne.

Some information from them:

"There will be a FREE kayak safety workshop held in Days Bay on Thursday 26th January 2023, open to all. This will be a comprehensive, 1 day event covering every aspect of water kayaking safety, with a strong focus on theory and building awareness, plus practical and skills development. This is aimed at all ages from beginner to intermediate level. Spaces are limited, and on a first come first served basis, with a wait list in reserve...

This free event is being funded by the Jack Skellett give-a-little fund, a donation that was set up following the loss of 23-year-old Jack in December 2021 after a kayaking incident along this coastline. With thanks to Wildfinder, Days Bay Pavilion, Victoria University of Wellington, and the Skellett family for help in organising this event for the community."

https://www.wildfinder.co.nz/kayak-safety-workshop

Even though the event has reached its capacity I will be there to see how the course goes so feel free to pop down if you are free and want to see how the donations are going back to the community.

I would also like to sincerely thank all of you on behalf of Jack's family and friends for your kind words and generosity.

With love,

Connor

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