A convoy of Minis will soon be heading to Invercargill as part of the Pork Pie Charity Run. Some fifty teams of Mini lovers will travel from Paihia to Invercargill, aiming to raise $500,000 to help children living in hardship.
The run, inspired by the 1981 Kiwi film ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’, is in its ninth year. It sets off from Paihia on April 4 as it travels through Auckland, National Park, Wellington, Kaikōura, Hokitika, Cromwell and Dunedin to the finish line at Invercargill on April 9. Along the way the Mini fleet will stop at KidsCan’s partner schools, where the money they raise helps students with food and clothing.
All manner of Minis take part, including a Mini Mack truck and a Mini stretch limo. Event organiser, Kevin Hollamby, and his co-driver Peter Bjarnesen are driving a modified 1983 Mini City missing its bonnet, boot and lights – a homage to the movie’s final scenes as the car limped into Invercargill.
Last year’s run raised a record $417,129 for KidsCan – and this year some teams have already raised more than $30,000 alone. Kevin says it’s vital to him that the event makes a difference, and fundraising for KidsCan has opened his eyes to the depth of child poverty in New Zealand.
KidsCan’s CEO, Julie Chapman, says thousands of children are on their waiting list, and with child poverty rates increasing the funds raised are vital. “This is an incredible event which is a real celebration of the Kiwi spirit. It’s so much fun – and it makes such a difference to children in poverty,” she says.
“For an increasing number of families, there is nothing left at the end of the week. The money raised will support children with breakfast, snacks, lunches, warm jackets, good shoes and health products. With the essentials covered, kids can focus on learning, which gives them a pathway out of poverty. We’re so grateful to the Pork Pie teams for the huge impact they have.”
You can help with a donation at the Pork Pie Charity Run website
