Minis Maximise Fundraising Effort For KidsCan

Minis MAXIMISE FUNDRAISING EFFORT FOR KIDSCAN

One of New Zealand’s most iconic movies has once again inspired a novel fundraising drive to help fight child poverty.

The Pork Pie Charity Run took place over Easter and as of today has raised over $195,000 for the KidsCan Charitable Trust and the total is still increasing.

A TradeMe auction for an original ‘Goodbye, Pork Pie’ movie poster, Stolen Girlfriends limited edition bomber jacket (this is a replica of the one worn by Blondini in the move) and other exclusive memorabilia is underway to help push the fundraising efforts over the $200,000 mark. Auction link: trade.me/goodbyeporkpie

The bi-annual event saw 57 MINIs drive from Kaitaia to Invercargill whilst fundraising and collecting donations along the way. The trip took six days and covered more than 2,500kms through the country’s biggest cities and smallest towns.

Charity recipient, KidsCan was set up ten years ago and today supports the education of thousands of disadvantaged New Zealand children in 448 decile 1-4 schools nationwide. While many in our community are beginning to share in the benefits of the economic recovery, the latest figures indicate there are still sadly 260,000 (1 in 4) Kiwi kids living in hardship.

KidsCan’s GM of Marketing & Fundraising, Jan Clark says “KidsCan has been absolutely thrilled to be involved in such an iconic event – covering the length of New Zealand and travelling to many towns where our partner schools are situated. Despite the Pork Pie Charity Run being over we are aiming to exceed this total, with the team’s ‘givealittle’ pages remaining open until the 1st May. Donations can be made atwww.kidscan.org.nz or search for ‘Pork Pie’ on www.givealittle.co.nz . Funds raised will enable KidsCan to do even more for the thousands of Kiwi kids we currently support”

The Pork Pie Charity Run is the brainchild of Murray Hemsley and Rod Harris who wanted to support the 50th anniversary of the MINI by taking a trip that played more than just homage to the movie. Co-Organiser Rod Harris says “As organisers, it is a very humbling experience to see the enormous enthusiasm generated by a very special group of people. Supporters, sponsors, KidsCan, MINI NZ and of course the 112 participants. What is both a celebration of the iconic MINI, both old and new, and a chance to fundraise and contribute to the community, NZ wide, it has been an exhilarating, fun and tiring 8 days. KidsCan staff and supporters, and all the participants are to be congratulated on achieving such success - both in the amount of money raised, and getting all your cars to Invercargill!!!!! A fabulous result all round!”

MINI New Zealand has been partnered with the event since its inception in 2009 and was thrilled to support the event again this year, providing three new MINIs for the drive, exclusive apparel for all the teams, prize packs and hosted all the teams for a delicious lunch at Oxford Café, Auckland MINI Garage on Easter Friday.“MINI as a brand stands for adventure – so we can think of nothing better than a road trip for a cause. This year the Pork Pie Charity Run organisers and participants have been full of enthusiasm, passion and a true MINI spirit which has clearly delivered a sensational result for KidsCan”, says MINI Marketing Manager Simonne Mearns.

To donate to support KidsCan, go to www.givealittle.co.nz/event/porkpiecharityrun or visit www.kidscan.co.nz

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