The Race4Life Trust was first established in 2015. It is the only Trust in New Zealand that has the specific brief of fulfilling the wishes of Palliative Care Patients (18+). We are a volunteer based Trust so all the money we raise, goes directly to the Wish Service and our Track Day Events for palliative care patients. As a team we work constantly to raise our profile throughout New Zealand. Our work is truly beautiful.
About Us & Our Beginnings
01Who We Are
02Our Beginnings
In 2008, a number of businessmen, race car owners and drivers, sponsors and many volunteers, family members and organisations, came together to support a Race4Life event. The purpose was to provide an opportunity for Palliative Care Patients and their dear ones, to enjoy a day out doing something very different. And different it was, whether it was riding in a racing car or on a Harley Davidson, taking a trip in a helicopter or experiencing the deep throated roar inside a Mustang muscle car. The day was truly magic. This led to the decision to make it an annual event and to call it RACE4LIFE. Over time it became apparent, that there were many unfulfilled desires amongst those whose life expectancy was limited. In 2015 the Race4Life Trust was formed to fulfil those wishes of Palliative Care Patients. Since then, we have facilitated memorable experiences for nearly 700 patients and their families providing opportunities for them to realise their dreams.
Given the aftermath of COVID, and subsequent reduction in donors and funding, the Race4Life Governing Board decided to close down the incredibly successful Wish Service and review how it could continue to achieve impact with limited resources. A hard decision in light of the fact that over the period of 7 years from 2015 to early 2023, Race4Life have fulfilled the wishes of over 700 people throughout the country.
Despite shutting down the individualised wish service, the focus of the RACE4LIFE trust has continued by shifting to solely hold events with the aim of reaching the lives of as many palliative care patients as possible. The Hampton Downs Track Day event (which is where the Race4Life started) has continued to be run, and has become totally self-sufficient over 15 years. This has enabled the trust to continue to provide special MAGIC among the 600 people who attend.
The Trust has now built this event into a series of similar events and have subsequently replicated this model on the South Island at Teretonga Motor Sport Park in Invercargill, albeit a much smaller event. Plus in October 2024, the inaugural Central NZ Track Day event will take place at Manfeild Chris Amon Circuit in Palmerston North, with an estimated 450 people, expected to attend.
The cost of running an event is around $15K with 45 patients and their families attending, plus around 150 volunteers. There have been high levels of commitment and Race4Life have an enthusiastic group of volunteers and sponsors to make these events impactful and sustainable.
03Our Mission & Values
We facilitate events for Palliative Care patients. These events connect patient family and community.
We do this with
· Passion
· Integrity
· Empathy
We are committed to raising the spirits and well-being of patients, family and community in a sustainable manner.
Fulfilling the wishes of palliative care patients
