One little penguins’ journey has created a big path to future funding
#Philanthropy@UC
When Claire Cowles from Wild In Art approached Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Associate Professor Michele La Rue to participate in the Pop-Up Penguin initiative little did she know it would create a valuable pathway to future funding.
Emperor Penguins, Antarctica
“Initially we were going to use Moana for the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies to help tell the stories of our student’s work in Antarctica. However, because of Covid-19 the programme had to be put on hold,” says Associate Professor La Rue.
So instead, the team decided to auction Moana at the Pop-Up Penguin auction and begin the Penguin Research Fund.
“Auctioning Moana was really exciting. It was just incredible watching the auctioneer go back and forth across the room.
“I really didn’t have an idea what to expect so I was blown away at the generous offer of $20,000 for her,” says Associate Professor La Rue.