Fantastic result for inaugural celebration weekend

2 April 2012

Fantastic result for inaugural celebration weekend

Almost 1000 guests of all ages visited the tiny town of Kingston last weekend (March 31 and April 1) to ride New Zealand's famous vintage steam train and support the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand.

The inaugural Kingston Flyer Weekend raised $5500 for the foundation through money raised from ticket sales and other initiatives.

A $5 donation from each train ticket sold over the weekend went to the foundation, along with money raised through a sausage sizzle, bouncy castle, raffles and other generous donations.

The Kingston Flyer Managing Director David Bryce said they were smiled upon by amazing weather and it was a fantastic weekend for all involved.

“Visitors were predominantly from Southland and Otago but I was chatting to people from all around New Zealand and some overseas visitors,” he said.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to raise such a substantial amount of money for the Stroke Foundation in this region.”

Stroke Foundation of New Zealand regional manager Neil McIntosh said it was an “absolutely amazing” result.

“These funds will be used in the region in which they’ve been raised and will go towards the continuance of free field officer services in Southland and Otago.”

The Kingston Flyer crew is now looking forward to a busy Easter and New Zealand school holiday period before winding down for the season.

From May 1 the Kingston Flyer will be available for private bookings and group charters for events before re-opening for the summer 2012/2013 season on October 1.

ENDS

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