Ziptrek Ecotours compassionate about charity work

Media release from Ziptrek Ecotours

5 April 2011

Ziptrek Ecotours compassionate about charity work in community

Donating hair for cancer research, supporting a school in Laos and regular native tree planting schedules are all part of daily life for Queenstown ecotourism company Ziptrek Ecotours.

The adventure operator is committed to supporting sustainable projects in the community and new General Manager Stu Cordelle is already knee-deep leading his team towards charity-focused work and sustainable projects in the community.

Stu has donated his head of hair towards the Leukemia and Blood Foundation (LBF) 'Shave for a Cure' fundraiser and is aiming to raise $1,000 for the charity. He joins a huge nationwide effort to get 10,000 people shaving in a mass expression of solidarity towards an equal number (10,000) of New Zealanders estimated to be living with a blood cancer or condition like Leukaemia.

Stu's shave takes place at midday this Friday (8th April) at Queenstown Barbers. He challenged other Queenstown General Managers to join him by registering on www.shaveforacure.co.nz.

"If the thought of losing your hair is too much then visit my donation page at www.shaveforacure.co.nz/donate_to/4053 or head down to Queenstown Barbers on shave day and donate to a worthy charity," he said.

Meanwhile, Ziptrek Ecotours' guide Dave Mahoney, is heading a sustainable community project to benefit a school in Laos, South East Asia.

The project aims to introduce sustainable waste, energy and water micro-projects to the school by donating funds raised through selling native New Zealand plants to the Queenstown community.

'I always wanted to be involved with a not for profit organisation that focuses on social equity so in spearheading this project I was trying to find a project that was symbolic of that and in keeping with the environmental commitment of Ziptrek Ecotours," he said.

Dave, together with support from Ziptrek and the public, has sold more than 120 plants so far.

The plants are available for sale for $10 from Ziptrek Ecotours store at 45 Camp Street and have been planted on-site at Ziptrek Ecotours as part of their ongoing ecological management in the area.

Stu Cordelle says he's proud of the way Ziptrek Ecotours in both Whistler and Queenstown support their staff in fundraising initiatives.

"It's great to see people like Dave who have the passion to initiate and drive their own projects to make a difference, and it's wonderful that Ziptrek supports their efforts. I find it inspiring and refreshing to work alongside this enthusiastic team."

For more information on the sustainable endeavours and initiatives undertaken by Ziptrek Ecotours please visit www.facebook.com/ZiptrekNZ

ENDS

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