A Message from the Race4Life Team
The MAGIC returns to the South
In late February, a Race4Life Team of 10, ventured again to the South Island for the second anniversary of the Race4Life Track Day Southland.
Welcomed to Invercargill with open arms, the team arranged a day of high octane fun for a group of 25 patients and their families. Our special guests had the choice of riding in a selection of race cars, getting on board some big rigs, having an aerial tour by helicopter of Invercargill or riding on the back of a selection of motorbikes. The afternoon gave all those present an opportunity to be a passenger in all sorts of prestigious cars ranging from the latest state of the art Aston Martin, to a vintage 1907 Darracq, driven by Vintage Car Club President Ray McCulloch. 
A coffee truck, food vouchers from New World Windsor, an all day BBQ for volunteers provided by HUMES, a collection of hired gear from Marquees and Party Hire and a team of students from Verdon College, helping with the sit down meal for our guests, complimented the day beautifully as the Team hosted this fun filled event. The kindness of Rick Michels and his wife Fiona, who generously paid for the hireage of the track, was so appreciated.
Volunteers from as far as Queenstown joined us for the day, to ensure that patients and their loved ones got all they bargained for.
We invite you to enjoy photos of the day and the comments of those who were part of this very special occasion.
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- Darcy Warren: “Was the best day, what a wonderfully run and super friendly and inviting team you have Viv. My fam had a much needed blast and mum who was going to cancel going and after being talked into an appearance, stayed till 4pm. It perked her up going for a ride in the Helicopter and seeing her family benefit from this beautifully wonderful thing you have got going. May God bless you and your mission abundantly.”
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- Aroha Pennicott: “Thank you so much my son had the best day ever. He smiled again!”
Track Day Hampton Downs 2020
Targa Bambina
While on route back to Auckland from Teretonga, a contingent of the Team dropped into Hamilton for three days for the staging of the 2020 Targa Bambina. This boutique event began on March 7th in Hamilton and travelled through the beautiful Waikato area for the weekend.
There was only a small number of cars by comparison to other Targa events, however the spirit of the weekend was something quite special. Fun was had by all, and the occasion was brilliantly organised by the team at URG.
Race4Life are very grateful to Peter Martin and his dedicated crew. They always do their utmost to include the Race4Life Team and to help us spread the word of our beautiful work.
Thank you Peter.
The Gift of Volunteers
In light of the Covid 19 Crisis, Race4Life has had to take some rather severe steps to ensure its survival. Prior to the emergency, the Trust had 9 staff members working through the Auckland office, either fulltime, part time or in a volunteer capacity. The organisation has had to let go 4 of its contracting workers and the support provided for one of our Wish Coordinators, has been withdrawn. We now have a skeleton staff of 4.
Post LOCKDOWN, the way we will function will change. The wishes we are able to fulfill will be limited and the support from struggling businesses throughout New Zealand will look very different. We are confident that our organisation will continue to grant wishes, however we are very mindful of the challenges posed in these unprecedented times and how they have impacted communities throughout the country.
Our mission, to bring joy and hope through our Wish Service, has not only been made possible by the generosity of service providers. Our volunteers, from all areas of New Zealand, play a huge role in ensuring that wishes come true. We would love to take this opportunity to acknowledge our Volunteers for their loyalty and dedication to our beautiful cause.
There are 30 or more wishes on our waiting list, that we will be keenly attending to, post Lockdown. Given the present environment and these unknown waters, we anticipate the need for more Volunteers throughout the country. In early 2020 Race4Life began to develop regional Volunteer Pods all over New Zealand with the intent to create a more efficient service and to ensure that Patients’ dreams are realised. We would welcome anyone who is interested in joining one of these regional pods and is keen to learn more about our organisation.
Please contact: deb@race4life.org.nz
A Story of Courage and Inspiration
“SLOW DOWN, you move too fast” – Great words from a great song. In truth it can be uncomfortable to slow down, however we are amid a forced LOCKDOWN, so we do not have much choice!
The encouragement and inspiration we all seek at a time like this, is often found in the stories of those who are courageous. Anthony Ward’s story is a tale of great strength and tenacity. It is a story of a very brave man’s, refusal to give in, amid so much suffering and loss.
Anthony is 41, the father to 10 year old Sam and husband to Sarah. Anthony suffers from fast progressing Motor Neurone Disease which has seriously restricted his mobility and his breathing.
Last year Anthony, who lives in Christchurch, contacted the Trust with a wish to travel to Northland, a place he had always wanted to visit with his family.
The logistics of travelling around the country in a wheelchair, dependent on assistance, wherever he ventured, was a huge consideration for Anthony and his family. However, this did not seem to concern the multiple businesses that put up their hand, going out of their way, to be a part of this extraordinary wish.
Anthony and his family were flown to Auckland, exquisitely assisted by the crew from Air New Zealand. Upon arrival the Wards were taken to the Sudima Hotel at the airport where they spent the first night of their adventure. The staff at the Hotel went out of their way to make sure the family were treated like royalty.
The next day Anthony and co ventured to Paihia where they stayed at Admiral’s View Lodge and Motel, and explored the areas around Russell, Waitangi and Kawakawa.
The photos say it all. There were no holes barred as the family enjoyed the hospitality and kindness expressed by the welcoming communities of Northland.
Throughout the entire wish, Anthony and his gorgeous family remained so very grateful. This brave man’s choice to remain positive and humble throughout his difficult journey, is so very inspirational.
Thank you Anthony for motivating us all to live each day, the best we can.
Donate To Our Cause:
In light of the present environment, we are acutely aware of the struggles of so many of our supporters. However if you can spare anything, that could help us with the running costs of the Trust, over this unprecedented time, it would be wonderful. Thank you very much.
If you would like to donate to the Wish Service, or sponsor an individual wish, please click below.
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