‘Triathlon with a Twist’ raises $2,800 for the Rescue Helicopter

‘Triathlon with a Twist’ raises $2,800 for the Rescue Helicopter

It started with a conversation over a few wines on New Year’s eve, and resulted in a huge fundraising event raising $2,800 for the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter.

Claire Wilson, of HorsesalesNZ, decided to put on the event after a conversation with her Irish cousins on New Years eve, “they told me about a fun idea for a Pony Club team event – but I decided to put a Kiwi spin on things. A few weeks later – on the 24 January - the ‘Triathlon with a Twist’ was held at Mt Herbert Farm, Waipukurau. Together with a team of helpers, and donations from local businesses, ‘together with lots of other local support’... or something like that, because i did have a lot of willing helpers!! And maybe also add in that together with the competitors- we had lots of trophies and donations from local businesses and people who couldnt attend on the day- but still wanted to contribute.

We had 80 competitors, aged between 5 and 83 years old, who competed in the Ride, Run, Swim triathlon. The ride phase was done on either a horse/pony or pushbike, which made for a very exciting competition”

“We wanted to hold this as a fundraiser, and the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Trust was our obvious choice to raise funds for, with many equestrian friends and family having needed this amazing service in the past”.

Laura Hyde, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at the Trust said, “Claire contacted us a couple of weeks just after the New Year to say that she wanted to fundraise for the Rescue Helicopter, and we are incredibly impressed with what she managed to achieve with this event in such a short space of time. The funds raised will go a long way to helping us keep our Rescue Helicopter service free of charge and available 24/7 to anyone who may need it”

Claire added, “We’d like to thank all the competitors who made a big effort today to support this fundraiser; travelled a great distance, had their horse/pony turned out beautifully, dressed up (or undressed), and took time off work. This event was a huge community effort, with so many donations and support from local people and businesses – without whom it would not have been possible. We’d also like to express our gratitude to the crew at the Rescue Helicopter, we really appreciate what they do!” 

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