Alizae Auvae, a Hornby High School student, has been selected among 25 young people nationwide for the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company.

The programme offers the chance to travel to London’s Globe Theatre to take part in workshops and rehearsals, culminating in performing at midnight on the Globe stage to an invited audience.

Alizae Auvae (second from left) with supporters from PAK’nSAVE Hornby, Te Whare Awhero/Hope House and Hornby High School.

To help fund the opportunity, Hornby High School and community organisation Te Whare Awhero /Hope House organised a fundraising campaign, which took centre stage at The Hornby Hub mall.

At PAK’nSAVE Hornby, shoppers can support the fundraiser by picking up $4 packs of mini donuts in-store, with all proceeds going towards helping Alizae and her mum, Stacey, get to the UK.

The donut fundraiser runs until Sunday, with Tuesday’s event aimed at lifting awareness and encouraging wider community support.

PAK’nSAVE Hornby owner Kerri Lee says the fundraiser is part of the store’s long standing connection with Te Whare Awhero and a desire to help when the opportunity arose.

“When Te Whare Awhero shared Alizae’s story with us, we just wanted to pitch in,” she said. “This is about backing a local young person and giving the community an easy way to help Alizae take the stage.”

On Thursday, Alizae and fellow Hornby High drama students performed short Shakespeare scenes in full costume in the mall foyer to support the fundraiser.

Alizae Auvae and her Mum, Stacey Norman

Alizae has been supported by her whānau, her school and Te Whare Awhero, which works with local families to build connection, resilience and opportunity.

Fundraising efforts to date have included bake sales, school events, raffles and donations from the Hornby community.

Those who are unable to make it to the store this week but still wish to contribute can donate online via Givealittle