Mini Enthusiasts Rev up for Charity Run

Mini Enthusiasts Rev up for Charity Run

One of New Zealand’s most iconic movies has once again inspired a novel fundraising drive to help fight child poverty.

Happening this Easter between the 2nd and the 8th of April no less than 60 MINIs will follow the path of the popular 1981 movie ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’ in a bid to raise over $150,000 for the KidsCan Charitable Trust.

The aim of the bi-annual event, now in its fourth run, is to drive from Kaitaia to Invercargill in a road worthy MINI whilst fundraising and collecting donations along the way. The trip will take six days and cover more than 2,500kms through the country’s biggest cities and smallest towns – taking in some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery along the way.

Charity recipient, KidsCan was set up ten years ago and today supports the education of thousands of disadvantaged New Zealand children in 448 decile 1-4 schools nationwide, many of which will be on the route for the run.

While many in our community are beginning to share in the benefits of the economic recovery, the latest figures indicate there are still sadly 260,000 (1 in 4) Kiwi kids living in hardship. KidsCan’s CEO & Founder, Julie Chapman says “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the event organisers and MINI New Zealand. Funds raised will enable KidsCan to do even more for the thousands of Kiwi kids we currently support”.

The Pork Pie Charity Run is the brainchild of Murray Hemsley and Rod Harris who wanted to support the 50th anniversary of the MINI by taking a trip that played more than just homage to the movie. Organiser Rod Harris says “The MINI was a revolution on wheels in car design. To mark the 50th anniversary of this iconic piece of British engineering it seemed logical to drive from end of the country to the other with a group of fun loving, like-minded people. Following the route and adopting the spirit of the movie ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’ just seemed logical. This was an adventure, it was fun, it showed off our beautiful country and it brought people together. To raise money for charity while we are enjoying ourselves just seemed right. This one off event has now morphed into a popular bi annual Easter event.”

MINI New Zealand has been partnered with the event since its inception in 2009 and is delighted to support with three new MINIs for the drive, exclusive apparel, prize packs and exciting MINI interactions during the run.

“Anything connected to ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’ is close to MINI New Zealand’s heart, as it is for many kiwis. There is definitely a little cheeky ‘Blondini’ attitude inherent in the MINI brand ethos and like the Blondini Gang, MINI New Zealand is always up for a challenge”, says MINI Marketing Manager Simonne Mearns.“We can’t wait to get together with MINI drivers and enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate all things MINI in support for the great cause KidsCan”.

To donate to the event go to www.givealittle.co.nz/event/porkpiecharityrun or for more information go to www.porkpie.co.nz.

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