Marathon fundraiser for ChildFund New Zealand

Media release 1 July 2011

Marathon fundraiser for ChildFund New Zealand

Participants in the first ever Jerry Clayton BMW North Shore Marathon will be running for a good cause, with ChildFund New Zealand announced as the official charity for the event in August.

ChildFund New Zealand Chief Executive Paul Brown will be one of the thousands that join in the marathon, and is encouraging more Aucklanders to help fundraise for children living in poverty by taking part themselves.

“Fundraising provides extra motivation to get out there and train for this big event,” says Mr Brown, who will take on his first marathon for the inaugural event.

“By joining ChildFund’s fundraising team online, you’ll be helping children in places like Kenya and Sri Lanka who are putting in a marathon effort every day just to survive.”

Mr Brown says that some children will walk up to 13 kilometres each day just to go to school or collect water. “These young children travel great distances and usually on just a bowl or two of porridge and without shoes or protection from wild animals.

“As my very first marathon, completing the North Shore circuit will be a huge challenge for me, but in contrast I will have the nourishment, shoes and support I need. It pales in comparison to what children in the developing world are facing.”

On Sunday, August 28, 2011 the Jerry Clayton BMW North Shore Marathon, Half Marathon, 5km and the ChildFund New Zealand Kids Beach Run will take place in the heart of Auckland's North Shore, Takapuna.

Entrants can build a personal online fundraising page by registering with the North Shore Marathon, or, joining the ChildFund Challenge team at www.childfundchallenge.co.nz or www.everydayhero.co.nz.

Marathon Event Manager and ChildFund child sponsor Dion Jelley is encouraging participants to take up the added challenge of fundraising as part of their preparation for the big run.

“I’d encourage everyone to get their family, friends and workmates to sponsor them through their own personal fundraising page. It’s a great way to involve them in your marathon challenge and your run will count for so much more.

“Schools can also get behind the ChildFund New Zealand Kids 2km Beach Run and fundraise for the charity as a class or group.”

Mr Brown says ChildFund is delighted to be a part of the great family event, which offers a course to suit everyone.

“As well as myself, a number of ChildFund staff, family and friends will be participating and we would like to extend an invitation to all Aucklanders to join us.”

ENDS

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