Challenge To Cure Kids Raises Almost $350,000

Accor $10 Queenstown Challenge To Cure Kids Raises Almost $350,000
With Total Expected To Increase

October 2 2008: The Accor $10 Queenstown Challenge to Cure Kids has raised almost $350,000 so far for research into children’s life threatening illnesses, and the 28 teams involved in the unique event have now arrived in Christchurch on their way to the finish in Queenstown tomorrow (Friday October 3).

The teams of two are travelling from Auckland to Queenstown with just $10 in their pocket and this year the point of difference is the number of challenges competitors have to complete en route.

“This means the event is less of a race from start to finish and teams are being allocated points for every challenge they take part in,” says Simon Duffy Cure Kids General Manager.

So far $348,803 has been raised with a final total to be announced in Queenstown tomorrow night. The money will go towards the $1.5m national screening programme and other vital research.

Competitors are also competing for the Champion Fundraising Trophy with The Buxom Blondes team of Michele Cadman and Charmaine Borland, representing the Cock and Bull pub in Auckland, well out in front, currently on $25,900. The Aegis Angels of Auckland, comprised of Tracey Jones and Nikki Perston, are lying second with $18,600 raised so far.

The teams had an early start in Wellington this morning competing in a hip hop competition before boarding the Interislander to Picton.

“Everyone on board went the extra mile for us, it was fantastic,” says Mr Duffy. “We have had sponsorship for the last four years from the Kiwirail, which runs the Interislander, and it is an incredible support for the event.”

The Navy team, Navy Brass Monkeys represented by Fraser Toulmin and Darcy Topp, were invited on to the bridge by the captain. “That was great,” says Fraser, “and we were able to do a broadcast explaining to the passengers what the event was all about.”

Kiwirail also operates the TranzCoastal and teams boarded it in Picton bound for Kaikoura carrying out challenges on board.

“Again we are indebted to them for providing us with this transport for our teams,” says Mr Duffy. “The train passed through some incredible country and the competitors were delighted to sit back and relax before getting back on the road at Kaikoura.”

The Navy Brass Monkeys were the first to arrive in Christchurch at the Ibis Christchurch Hotel at 6.07pm.

“Our shameless self promotion on board the Interislander paid off and we were picked up by passengers from the boat who saw us in Kaikoura and took us all the way to Christchurch,” says Fraser.

Top of the leader board after the first day was the Accor entry, representing the Novotel Lakeside Queenstown Hotel. Mia Robertson and Mike Hope, known as the M&M’s, clocked 285 points, ahead of the Swat Squad, also an Accor team from the company’s head office made up of Victoria Frost and her mother Anne Nielsen, on 280 points.

The Army Red team of Ruth Tautari and Nicholas Fuller and the ZM Auckland team of Mark Dye and Lee Densem were tied for third place on 273 points.

Teams will be advised of their placings tomorrow before leaving Christchurch en route to the finish at the Novotel Lakeside Queenstown Hotel.

Mia Robertson says it was exciting to be leading the charge after the first day. “But I don’t think we scored such good points today. Whatever, we are having an amazing time and I am definitely doing this event again next year.”

Title sponsor Accor has a strong partnership with Cure Kids and the hotel group sponsors the event each year. This year three teams made up of their employees are competing. On their journey from Auckland to Queenstown all the teams and event crew stay at some of Accor’s 29 hotels throughout New Zealand.

Other major sponsors for the 2008 Accor $10 Queenstown Challenge to Cure Kids are Classic Hits, Fairfax Media, Gen-I, Kia Motors, Rebel Sport, Qantas and Youthtown.

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