Fresh Future Bicycle Ride
Friday 5 September 2008
Fresh Future Bicycle Ride
An epic bike ride from Invercargill to Auckland to raise funds for children’s wards across the country kicks off at Stadium Southland on Monday morning.
Southland Hospital paediatrician Paul Tomlinson and Associate Director of Nursing (Medical/Surgical) Helen McKenzie will join six cyclists for the first leg (Invercargill to Gore) of the ride to Auckland, to raise $100,000 towards the Fresh Future Children’s Hospital Appeal.
The six cyclists (who include staff and suppliers of Progressive Enterprises), will cover 1850 kilometres during the 18 day event. The ride is one of the key events of the appeal which runs until 28 September.
The Fresh Future Appeal, which began on August 4, is a nationwide fundraising venture by staff with Progressive Enterprises to raise funds to purchase facilities and equipment for children’s wards - including Southland Hospital - through the Fresh Future Charitable Trust.
Last year’s inaugural appeal in New Zealand raised over $1 million for five hospitals in larger cities. This year is the first time Southland Hospital has been included, alongside hospitals in Whangarei, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay and Greymouth, as a recipient of funds raised.
Fresh Future Bicycle Ride Details
The Fresh Future Cycling Event begins at Stadium Southland at 8am , Monday 8 September, with a continental breakfast for supporters and participants.
At 9am cyclists will officially depart, heading to Southland Hospital before riding to Gore.
Day Two: Cyclists depart from Gore Woolworths at 8am to ride to Dunedin (arriving approx 2.30pm).
Other Fresh Future Appeal Activities
Locally SDHB staff are selling raffle tickets and sunflower seeds (sunflowers being the official symbol of this year’s appeal. Raffle tickets also can be purchased and donations made at Woolworths, Countdown, Fresh Choice and SuperValue supermarkets, as well as Dick Smith stores. $3 donations can be made by texting KIDS to 883. Customers who use Foodtown and Woolworths’ online shopping can donate online.
ENDS