Racing Club Raises Over $90,000 for Ronald Mcdonald House

Media Release
2 April 2015

Auckland Racing Club Raises Over $90,000 for Ronald Mcdonald House Charities®

A successful summer of horseracing at Ellerslie has helped raise $94,576 for Ronald McDonald House Charities®. Since Boxing Day, jockeys, trainers, punters, sponsors, horse owners and the general public have helped Auckland Racing Club (ARC) raise the funds needed to build desperately needed bedrooms at the Auckland house.

The Club, which had initially set a fund raising target of $80,000, received support from across the board. Significant donations were received from the owners of Sahkee’s Soldier to celebrate it winning the Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand® Stakes on Diamond Day and from Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Ltd, owners of Mongolian Khan which won the TV3 New Zealand Derby. TAB donated a percentage of the final field fixed odds winning bets placed on Diamond Day at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 7 March.

ARC CEO Cameron George commented, “When we did the final tally we were delighted to discover that we’d exceeded our original fundraising target. The additional bedrooms we’re helping fund will become safe havens for Kiwi families from all over New Zealand, whose children have been admitted for specialist treatment at the National Children’s Hospital.

“We’d like to thank everyone that helped make it possible, from those who donated on course to the RMHC® volunteers, to key players of the racing industry. The level of support received for this cause has been fantastic.”

In addition to the fundraising, staff from ARC cooked dinner for families at RMH in Auckland during Auckland Cup Week, and special jockey silks were made in the RMHC® colours. Top jockey and Auckland Racing Club’s RMHC ambassador, Leith Innes, wore the set of special silks on raceday.

Wayne Howett, CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ®, was delighted with the outcome, “One family bedroom becomes a home for an average of 27 families a year. Last year alone our houses took care of over 3,600 families.

“We’re very grateful to the ARC for having us as their partner this year and for this considerable contribution. These funds will help ensure that RMHC® continues to be there for every family who needs us.”

Ends

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