Cure Kids $10 Queenstown Challenge kicks off today

Media Release

30 March 2017

$10 GOES A LONG WAY TO HELP CHILD HEALTH

More than 50 people have set off on a quest to travel from Auckland to Queenstown spending no more than $10.

The Cure Kids $10 Queenstown Challenge kicks off with 25 teams from all over New Zealand leaving Auckland on the epic three-day race which aims to raise funds and awareness for child health research.

Cure Kids CEO, Frances Benge, who is taking part in the event, said she is in awe of the amazing efforts of the teams taking part.

“It so incredibly heart-warming to be joining this enthusiastic bunch of people who share our vision of a world where all kids can enjoy a healthy childhood. We are humbled by their amazing fundraising efforts and can’t wait to get on the road.”

Ms Benge said the funds raised would be used to fund research to improve health outcomes for children.

“Not only is the fundraising that these teams have undertaken inspiring, it plays a vital role in child health research – we rely on donations to be able to support critical research projects”, said Ms Benge.

The event will see teams pull out all the stops to make their way down the more than 1600km, with the plan to arrive in Queenstown on the 1st of April.

Among participants this year are three Cure Kids ambassador families, including Team Korbs which includes Bailey Darwin whose brother Korbin, a Cure Kids ambassador, passed away two years ago following multiple organ failure associated with a congenital heart condition.

Bailey and Korbin’s mother, Jules said that the $10 Queenstown Challenge was a way of honouring Korbin’s memory and helping with the family’s grief.

“This is the 3rd year someone from our family has taken part in the challenge. It’s a really special experience for us because Korbin was such a huge fan of Cure Kids and we know he would be so proud that we are continuing to support this amazing cause”, she said.

Jules said that this year was particularly emotional as Korbin and Bailey had planned to do the $10 Queenstown Challenge together this year.

“It’s been really tough in the lead up to the event, especially for Bailey, as her and Korbin had been so excited about doing the Challenge together,” said Mrs Darwin.

Bailey is doing the Challenge with her aunt, while Jules is volunteering as a sweep driver during the event.

Previous years’ challenges have included things such as BMX riding in Taupo, an army boot camp in Waiouru and an off road Segway course in Hagley Park.

Ends

Additional information:

· The $10 Queenstown Challenge in a biennial event run by Cure Kids to raise funds for vital child health research.

· The event challenges teams of two to make their way from Auckland to Queenstown spending no more than $10 over the three day event. Teams rely on the generosity of New Zealanders to provide transport and food along the way. Accommodation is provided by Cure Kids.

· In the 2017 race there are 25 teams competing from Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

· The event starts on Wednesday the 29th of March.

· Cure Kids CEO Frances Benge is among this year’s participants.

· Teams are required to raise a minimum of $10,000 to be able to take part in the event.

· The event is expected to raise a minimum of $270,000.

· The event will conclude at a finale party in Queenstown on Saturday 1st of April.

More about Cure Kids

· Cure Kids are New Zealand’s largest charitable funder of child health who fund nationally and across all areas of child health

· Since starting more than 45 years ago, Cure Kids have funded more than $38 million of research which has saved, extended and improved the lives of millions of children both in New Zealand and around the world

· Cure Kids rely on the support and generosity of New Zealanders to be able to support vital research to improve health outcomes for our kids

· Some of the areas that Cure Kids are currently funding research in include; childhood cancer, child and adolescent mental health, cystic fibrosis, still birth, inherited heart conditions and burns among many others

· For more information on Cure Kids, please visit curekids.org.nz

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