Round the Bays organisers give $50K

Auckland Round the Bays organisers have donated $50,000 to three charities with hopes that participants will raise $150,000 more.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled’s south Auckland branch (RDA) and Lifeline Aotearoa have already benefited from the 2018 Round the Bays.

Now organisers are calling on participants to sign up to the event and raise a target of $150,000 to donate to other charities.

On March 4, participants will run, walk or jog 8.4 kilometres from the city along the waterfront to St Heliers Bay for the annual Auckland Round the Bays.

Participants could register online to run for a charity and make their own page, make a oneoff payment when completing their event entry or sponsor someone who will be taking part in Round the Bays, which is sponsored by Stuff.

This year the Spirit of Adventure Trust had already received $20,000 while RDA and Lifeline Aotearoa were given $15,000 each.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust offers 10-day youth development programmes, with more than 75,000 young people having taken part in its sea voyages.

The trust’s marketing communications executive Talei Williams said it was thrilled with the donation.

‘‘Every dollar raised will go to helping youth get on board and have an adventure on the sea.’’

RDA fundraising coordinator

‘‘Every dollar raised will go to helping youth get on board’’ Talei Williams, Spirit of Adventure

Alison Daldy said the branch planned on purchasing two new ponies and a year’s supply of food after some of their ponies had retired or were about to do so.

Lifeline Aotearoa fundraiser Debbie Greenfield said the charity was a ‘‘listening ear’’ for children as well as 80 to 90-year-olds.

‘‘We have no government funding, so it will be a boost to help us reach more people,’’ Greenfield said.

Lifeline Aotearoa hoped to recruit and train more volunteers as well as build a relationship with the wider public.

❚ If you and up to five more North Shore family members, club or team-mates would like to fundraise for charities and take part in an eight-week training challenge, including gym membership, a personal trainer, t-shirts and bags, and free entry to the event, contact roundthebays@fairfaxmedia.co.nz. Mention the

CHRIST MCKEEN/STUFF Auckland’s Round the Bays has already donated $50,000 to three children’s charities and hopes to give more.