Connolly’s trike raises $75,000 for Salvation Army

The Salvation Army
Media Release

Connolly’s trike raises $75,000 for Salvation Army services

Wellington, 20 April 2007 – Billy Connolly’s trike rode again last night (19 April), this time raising $75,000 for The Salvation Army at a charity auction during the official opening of Auckland’s Vector Arena.

The motorised three-wheeler rose to fame when Connolly rode it around the country as part of the 2004 TV series The Billy Connolly World Tour of New Zealand. Last night it was auctioned off for $75,000 at the opening of the Vector Arena.

Vector Arena is donating the proceeds to The Salvation Army, which will use the funds to support Salvation Army services that care for people and transform lives.

Commissioner Garth McKenzie says that The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for the generosity of the Vector Arena management and QPAM Ltd, along with the Auckland City Council. Thanks also go to donators of the trike and the estimated 4,000 people who went to the opening.

‘The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of organisations and individuals to contribute to the estimated $44 million annual cost of running our extensive social and community programmes,’ says Commissioner McKenzie.

‘Our services include supportive and emergency accommodation, help for those seeking to overcome addictions, and practical community services like food assistance and budget counseling.

‘We also respond to disasters and emergencies, provide employment training, help families tracing missing loved ones, and ensure that chaplaincy is available for the aged and isolated, the sick and those in prison.

‘The Vector Arena opening is a great example of council, business and the public all coming together to show their support in a practical and tangible way.

‘I would especially like to thank Mayor Dick Hubbard, QPAM Chairman Kevin Jacobsen, Vector Arena CEO Bruce Mactaggart, and Vector Chief Executive Mark Franklin.’

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