An Invercargill landscape artist is trending on Australia’s Go Fund Me site after a tongue-in-cheek campaign to raise $6.30 for a swim ticket.

Caley Hall is best known for his pictures of iconic Fiordland landscapes and was last year was awarded a Kiwi Bank Local Hero award for his own generous contributions to charity.

Since November he has been on an inspirational mission to lose 50kg. Sensible eating, pounding the pavement, hitting the gym and swimming laps has seen Hall drop 38kg in a six-month journey he’s been sharing with his Facebook followers. 

This morning Hall found himself in the awkward position of having his EFTpos card declined at Invercargill Splash Palace public pool, and decided to appeal for help.

Hall had been vocal in his disgust at the recent attempt by a multi-millionaire to use the platform to raise money for legal fees, pointing out earlier in the week that the campaign was lining up alongside those for urgent medical treatment for sick children. 

His post reads:

Calling all Christians and Atheists!

My card was declined for $6.30 at the swimming pool this morning (embarrassing broke artist moment 🤦‍♂️) left the pool feeling like a total loser.. So I thought if that guy can raise 800 grand in a couple days for the wrong reasons then I can raise at least $6.30 for a swim or 2 and help me to reach my 50kg weightloss target and paint some pictures for kids to fundraise with..

Anyone that knows me knows that I don’t have any millions hidden away or property portfolios but I give my all time to the community. Help me raise some money for a swim pass and any extra I’ll use to donate more paintings to more charities that promote the wellbeing of vulnerable children, adults and anyone in between.. 💕

Single swim $6.30 

Ten swim pass $53.60

3 month pass $150

A sentiment those who knew Hall apparently agreed with.

Within five hours Hall’s campaign had been shared 70 times, and its $6.30 minimum goal smashed by $328 of pledges.

“I just thought the millionaire Folau thing was a joke compared to the genuinely good people that could do with a few hundred dollars but I only set my target for $6 to get a swim pass. I didn’t expect it to go to $300 so fast," he said.

“I can do good things for my health and wellbeing, not only for myself but for other people with that money,” a stunned Hall said.

Surplus funds will be used to buy paints and canvases for the free art classes Hall gives at the Cancer Society to those diagnosed with the disease.

His Go Fund Me page can be found HERE