Article written by Christina Sit Yee, Victoria University of Wellington
(First published in the educate+ Face-2-Face Magazine, Nov 2025)
In 2023, inspired by her mother’s near 50-year journey with wharanga uwhi iaia—multiple sclerosis (MS)—Amanda Hargreaves collaborated with Christina Sit Yee, Senior Development Manager at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, to launch a successful community Fundraising campaign supporting MS research.
The Power of Whānau and Community
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a life-changing neurological condition that affects over 4,000 New Zealanders and over 30,000 Australians. The condition also impacts their families, friends, and caregivers, reminding us that the journey with MS is one that’s not travelled alone. Research is the only way to develop better treatments and improve the quality of life for people with MS. Amanda recognised that gathering a community of supporters inspired by her mother Jenny’s story could make a real difference. Alongside her colleague Christina, she brought together family members, staff, and the University’s MS research team to launch Challenge MS—a peer-to-peer (P2P) Fundraising campaign to raise $20,000 to establish a Master’s scholarship in MS research.
P2P Community Fundraising is a powerful strategy used by charities to harness collective action around a shared cause, where individuals organise personal campaigns to collect donations from their peers on behalf of the charity. Benefits include increased brand awareness, expanded supporter networks, and strengthened relationships with existing supporters who often become Fundraising team leaders. P2P campaigns often culminate with a walk, gala, or other event to generate interest, excitement, and a finish line for the campaign.
Other P2P best practices include:
- A clear structure where a campaign manager supports Fundraising team leaders, who in turn support fundraisers requesting donations from their networks.
- Set up fundraisers for success with resources, rewards and recognition, and encouragement.
- Develop a P2P donation platform with a central webpage, communication features, and reporting.
He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata
While Amanda led the P2P strategy, Christina focused on grant writing—targeting 20 companies, trusts, and foundations for research support.
Fundraising + Engagement = Impact
“Charitable giving allows us to advance in new ways, to follow a new idea, and to have the rare freedom to do so,” says leading MS immunologist and Challenge MS fundraiser Professor Anne La Flamme. “These extraordinary gifts will allow us to employ a Master’s student who can advance our treatments and understanding of MS in ways that enable us to improve lives.”
Challenge MS exceeded all expectations. Thanks to many generous community donors, the P2P campaign raised over $12,000. Combined with a grant from the New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust of $20,000, the scholarship—valued at $32,000—has been awarded to a promising emerging scientist, Cara Schlebusch, who will work in Professor La Flamme’s lab.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of whānau and community – Collective action creates transformative results.
- He tangata, he tangata, he tangata – Have the right people in the room, each working to their strengths.
- Fundraising + Engagement = Impact – Combine Fundraising and Engagement techniques to achieve financial and community aims.
Christina Sit Yee
Mata Whakawhanake Matua—Senior Development Manager
Te Kura Tangata—Development and Alumni Relations Office
Te Wāhanga a Manaia—Faculty of Science and Engineering
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Read more:
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/engage/giving/news/2023/from-fear-to-empowerment-i-am-not-my-ms
