The Big Hoot 2018




Parliament of owls :)

Are you dreaming of becoming a treasure hunter? If you are, then, you must do the Big Hoot Trail in Auckland. The Big Hoot Trail was created to support the Child Cancer Foundation in raising funds that will help the children who have been battling the Big C and their families. It provides awareness to the masses and give them the opportunity to get involved. At the end of the trail, all the owls will be auctioned in May 29, 2018 to raise funds to support over 1700 families who fights cancer in New Zealand. The Trail Map was launched last March 3, 2018 and will have its ending day (fly away day) at May 6, 2018. Each owl was like a treasure waiting to be unlocked. Happy Treasure Hunting!







#SOWLFIE




When I first learned about this, I heard the compelling voice of curiousness. I want to know why are there owls all over Auckland and why are they scattered everywhere. It is like one morning you just woke up and an invasion of owls happened in Auckland. Then, the researching started and immediately completed which leads to the overflowing desire to find all the owls as soon as possible. What good about this all owl hunting is that you can acquire a map (in the library, mall, i-site areas) that tells you where all the owls are plus you can download an application (The Big Hoot 2018) in your cellphone to help you navigate Auckland and where are the owls situated. You can find it in Google Play or App Store  (download is free). Once you reached the Owl's location, there is a specific code (4-digit number) that you must enter in the cellphone to unlock the owl. More so, there are also prices, rewards and discounts earned every now and then once you unlock an owl. How cool is that! Not only did I find children doing the Art Trail but I also see Young-At-Hearts going crazy on finding the owls.

Making A Fuss Owl 
The Trail Map

The Map I used to locate the owls



There are 48 Big Owls called Big Hoot and 61 Owlets called Little Hoot scattered around Auckland. These owls are designed, crafted, beautified by Kiwi and International artists,  students and communities. Their designs are one-of-a-kind which promotes imagination. I think the reason why the owl was the chosen animal to represent this Art Trail because the owl is a symbol of intelligence and it is a storyteller.  Each owl tells a story. The owls have a caption in its stand why it was created or designed that way. Likewise, each cancer patients and their families has a story to tell and for us to listen to. Each of this owls was sponsored by a business or a school as well. I think Haier is the main/presenting partner of the event because this art trail is also known as The Haier Big Hoot Experience. To find out more of the sponsors, please visit the Big Hoot website.



             The owl in Smales Farm


I actually enjoyed this activity for a cause. I was able to explore the 4 sides of Auckland and I was even given a chance to discover new places. I took some selfies with the owls known as Sowlfies (use #sowlfies when posting in Facebook and Instagram and tag @TheBigHoot2018). I also learned that the collective name for a group of owls is Parliament. Most libraries have parliament of owls living inside their roof which gives me a hard time finding them and learning their code because you have to be inside the library during their opening hours. One time I was asked by the guard to come back because they are closing the library so I have to return the week after just to get the code. I am also happy that this activity is for free and it was made accessible during the School Holidays so most children have time to find all the owls. 

I hope the organisers will be able to reach a good amount of money so that they will be able to help the Child Cancer Foundation in continuing its endeavour to help the children and their families.





   
























Website of the Big Hoot 2018: https://www.thebighoot.co.nz/

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