Purpose: Fundraising support for a KZN community conservation representative to attend a regional conference
Period: Started 1/11/2025 online and ended with the LIVE additional ticket sales and draw on 13/12/2025 at 14h00 at the BeKZN End of Year Party at Alverstone Wildlife Park
1. Summary
BirdLife eThekwini KZN (BeKZN) recently ran a raffle as part of the 2025 Birding Diary fundraising activities, with the specific aim of assisting conservationist Ms Amy Panikowski-Coleman to attend an important conservation conference.
Read more: BeKZN End of Year Raffle ReportThe raffle featured two handcrafted wire and crocheted bird sculptures made by Amy as prizes and was open to members and all other supporters.
A total of 235 tickets were sold out of a possible 500, generating R4 765 in ticket sales. In accordance with the published raffle terms, ≆10% of the proceeds (R477) accrues to BirdLife eThekwini KZN, with the remaining R4 288 to be paid to Amy to support her conference attendance.
This report provides an update on the outcome of the raffle and confirms that ticket sales, prize allocation and fund distribution have been reconciled and documented. A full list of sold tickets is included as an appendix to ensure transparency and peace of mind for participants.
2. Background and Objective
The raffle was conceived as a positive, community-driven fundraising initiative to:
- Support a dedicated conservation practitioner from KZN in attending a regional conference, and
- Offer members and supporters the opportunity to win very unique bird prizes while contributing to a worthy cause.
The raffle was administered through the BeKZN Shoppe platform, with ticket purchases made via secure electronic payment methods.
2. Process
This report covers the full raffle process, including ticket sales, prize allocation and financial reconciliation. The following steps were undertaken:
- Tickets were sold online or through Sarah Allan and allocated via the raffle platform of BeKZN Shoppe
- Live ticket sales at the BeKZN End of Year Party were also processed through the online raffle portal with the help of Carron Dove and Jane Morris.
- Verification of the total number of tickets sold against the ticket register
- Live draw done with iPAD random number generator to select two winning tickets.
- Later audit to confirm total revenue received.
- Calculation and verification of the 10% club allocation and the balance payable to the beneficiary
- Documentation of winning ticket numbers and prize recipients in a report.
- Payment to Amy
All figures quoted are supported by the attached ticket sales list, which serves as the primary audit trail for the raffle.
4. Raffle Results
4.1 Ticket Sales and Revenue
- Tickets available: 500
- Tickets sold: 235
- Total revenue raised: R4 765
While the raffle did not sell out, participation was strong. Some teething issues with the raffle portal created some delays but the party ended with a ticket buying frenzy.
4.2 Financial Allocation
In line with the stated terms of the raffle:
- BeKZN allocation (10%): R477
- Amount allocated to Amy Panikowski-Coleman: R4 288
These amounts have been calculated directly from ticket sales from the website orders and reconcile fully with the ticket register.
5. Prize Draw Outcome
Two prizes were awarded following the close of ticket sales at the end of year party. We are delighted to note that both winners are from the Mtunzini area, highlighting the strong support for BeKZN initiatives from our North Coast birding community.
- Ticket #165 – Hugh Chittenden
Prize: Pelican sculpture - Ticket #14 – Marian Mattinson
Prize: Shoebill sculpture
The winning ticket numbers were drawn from the verified ticket list, and the results are fully traceable to the ticket register included with this report. BeKZN is committed to transparency and good governance in all fundraising activities. This raffle has been conducted in good faith, with:
The inclusion of the full sold ticket list with this report provides members with additional assurance that the process and outcomes are sound and auditable.
7. Thanks
We extend sincere thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and supported this initiative. Your participation not only helped raise meaningful funds but also demonstrated strong community backing for conservation work and professional development in our region. We wish Amy well and hope to hear from her about her trip.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all who helped make this raffle a success. We look forward to continuing to create opportunities where enjoyment, community and conservation come together.
Nicolette Forbes
BeKZN Chair
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