22 May 2006

ChildFund Supporter makes it to Bluff after cycling the length of NZ in 30 days
- ChildFund congratulates Rob Brangwin -

New Zealand based development agency ChildFund is congratulating Christchurch man Rob Brangwin who cycled into Bluff at the weekend, completing his extraordinary 30-day North to South bike ride challenge for the children of East Timor.

ChildFund NZ National Director Paul Brown says Rob is an outstanding Kiwi who cared enough to try to make a difference, not only to the children of East Timor, but all children living in poverty around the world. “We’re incredibly proud of his achievement and very grateful for the effort he has made to raise awareness of international child sponsorship amongst all New Zealanders.”

Rob is a long-time ChildFund supporter who, with his fiancée, sponsors two children – one in Honduras and the other in East Timor. He approached ChildFund with his plans for the fundraising bike ride and will give all donations received on his journey to the Graca area of East Timor where ChildFund runs development programmes improving the health and education status of children.

“Congratulations to Rob on a courageous and demanding ride. We’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback on his ride and believe he’s had a great effect by encouraging other Kiwis to commit to also sponsoring a child in need.”

Rob arrived in Bluff on Sunday, completing his 2,400 kilometre journey which began in Cape Reinga on April 21. He says the journey was an amazing personal experience. “I’ve met so many incredible Kiwis, all over New Zealand. People have been so kind – hosting me overnight, offering meals and making donations to ChildFund.”

“When I set off only half of my accommodation was confirmed, and I was worried I’d be spending some nights out in the cold. But everywhere I stopped people were eager to help and I would like to thank those people who opened their homes to me along the way.”

Things got particularly tough when Rob was cycling through South Canterbury during last week’s cold snap. At one point he set off from Timaru but got so cold he had to be rescued and driven back to town to warm up before setting off again.

“While my ride is over the work to provide a better future for the children of East Timor - and the other areas where ChildFund helps children living in poverty – will continue. If my journey helped open others eyes to the fact that child sponsorship can make a real difference to the life of a child then it will all have been worth it.”

Rob’s ride raised $2,000 in donations for the children of East Timor, and New Zealanders can still support the cause by making a credit card donation at ChildFund 0800 808 822. Alternatively donations can be made at any branch of Kiwibank (account number 38-9004-0853036-00). To find out more about becoming a child sponsor see www.childfund.org.nz.

Further information:

Rob can be contacted for media interviews on 021 063 1145. Check www.childfund.org.nz for his journey log.

For more information on Rob’s ride please contact Sarah Walker, ChildFund New Zealand on 09 9660868 or 021 511330.

For further information about ChildFund please contact Paul Brown, ChildFund New Zealand, National Director, on 09 966 0864 or 0275 566 196.

To make a donation:

- Call ChildFund on 0800 808 822 to make a credit card donation
- Make a donation at any Kiwibank Branch (account number 38-9004-0853036-00)

To become a ChildFund child sponsor:

- Visit the ChildFund website www.childfund.org.nz

ENDS

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