Shopkeepers shout Ed Hillary for his birthday

Media Release

Newmarket Business Association

Tuesday, 18 March 2006

Shopkeepers shout Ed Hillary whatever he wants for his birthday

The country's leading citizen, Sir Edmund Hillary, has been invited today to buy whatever he wants for his birthday from the country's leading shopping district.

Born on 20 July 1919, Sir Edmund turns 87-years-old on Thursday.

"Sir Edmund went to school at neighbouring Auckland Grammar and for over half a century.has lived just a few hundred metres up the road from Newmarket. He and Lady Hillary have been great supporters of our shops over the years, and we still see them about from time to time," said Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

"We just wanted to take this relatively low-profile birthday to say to a big thank you for his support to local retailing, not to mention his unparallel contribution to the country," said Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

Mr Brewer says whatever Sir Edmund or Lady Hillary want to buy in Newmarket to help celebrate the living legend's birthday on Thursday, the Newmarket Business Association will cover the full purchase price without any obligations or questions.

"Sir Edmund has worked all his life for the benefit of everyone else. We see this as a great opportunity to acknowledge our number one local who more than anyone deserves to be treated on this birthday.

"We respect that he's a very humble man, but we hope Lady Hillary convinces him to take up our genuine offer. We don't want anything from him. We just want him to be thrilled with whatever he's chosen," said Cameron Brewer.

Mr Brewer said only Sir Edmund, Lady Hillary or immediate family could purchase the present, and needed to before 5pm on Sunday 23 July. He said the Newmarket Business Association is not concerned about setting an upper price limit because Ed Hillary's never been greedy in 87 years, and they'll doubt he's about to start.

ENDS

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