Sealegs raises $51,000 in Paris for Christchurch kids

Media Release
3 March 2011
For immediate release

Sealegs raises $51,000 in Paris for Christchurch Plunket kids

An auction held in Paris yesterday has raised $51,000 for Plunket children and families in Christchurch.

New Zealand amphibious boat manufacturer Sealegs auctioned off the first of its limited edition All Blacks series amphibious boats and donated all profits to Plunket.

Jenny Prince, Plunket Chief Executive says Plunket’s current focus is on getting Christchurch based services up and running and to provide assistance to Christchurch’s families and children.

“A number of our Plunket premises in Christchurch have been severely damaged by the 22 February earthquake - some have been completely destroyed.

“A lot of our nurses and their families in Canterbury were directly affected by the earthquake, but many are also providing support to Christchurch families with young children. Nurses from rural Canterbury are assisting in Christchurch where possible.

“While normal services are still suspended in Christchurch we are working with a number of other organisations to provide as many services as possible when and where needed,” she said

“Since the quake, many families have relocated out of Christchurch and we’re noticing an increase in demand for services in Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin and Nelson and the money raised in the auction will make an enormous difference to these services Plunket can offer to the families of Christchurch and those that have fled to outlying regions, and are seeking Plunket support.”

Plunket is operating walk in centres for any parents wanting to see a Plunket Nurse, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm at:
Cowles Stadium, 170 Pages Road, Christchurch
Plunket Family Centre, 5 Twigger Street, Addington, Christchurch

Plunket clients who have left Christchurch are encouraged to contact the local Plunket office or clinic in their new location, or to phone PlunketLine (0800 939 922) to re-establish contact with Plunket.

ENDS

About the All Blacks, Sealegs, Plunket relationship
The All Blacks are at the centre of the relationship between these three truly New Zealand made brands - Sealegs is the official marine partner of the All Blacks and Plunket is one of the All Blacks official charities.

Plunket and the All Blacks are strong New Zealand icons and both have been a part of the fabric of New Zealand society for over 100 years. Sealegs is an iconic Kiwi company which has made its mark on the international scene through hard work, innovation and reliability – qualities which Plunket and the All Blacks also share.

About the auction:
The Auction was held at the prestigious Artcurial auction house in Paris on Tuesday 1 March at 2pm (2am Wednesday 2 March NZ time).
The highest bidder became the proud owner of Sealegs Number 0, the first of a limited edition series of fifteen amphibious boats which have the signatures of the All Blacks players and coach engraved into the centre console.

About Plunket
Plunket is a not-for-profit organisation and is New Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five. Plunket is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Plunket’s services help families nationwide, through over 400 branches, mobile clinics and a free phone service, PlunketLine – 0800 933 922. For more information visit www.plunket.org.nz

About Sealegs
Created in 2004, New Zealand-based Sealegs is the world’s leading constructor of recreational and professional amphibious boat technology. Sealegs launched its European operation in Paris in September 2010 and at the same time became official marine partner of the All Blacks. Sealegs will be supporting the All Blacks as they head into the Rugby World Cup later this year, and over the coming six years.

The Sealegs system consists of motorised, retractable and steerable wheels which are fitted to specially designed boats. A Sealegs amphibious boat can be driven from a storage location, down a boat ramp or beach and into the water - all with the occupants staying in the boat and remaining completely dry!

For more information on Sealegs® amphibious boats, visit www.sealegs.com

ENDS

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