THE RACE4LIFE TRUST
The Race4life Trust has fully embraced the opportunity of a five-year partnership with the URG (Ultimate Rally Group). It would seem on reflection that the URG, which runs the annual Targa NZ Rallies, and the Silver Fern Rally every two years, has much in common with the Race4life Trust. The proposed partnership appeals to both parties as a great fit.
The Race4life Trust is a registered charity that fulfils the wishes of palliative care patients (those who are dying). The Trust is the only organization in NZ with this specific brief, and it runs on a volunteer basis. In the three years since its inauguration the Trust has grown from strength to strength, gaining a great deal of support from the motor-sport world and those businesses associated with motor sport and the car industry. Many Targa stalwarts have been supporting the Race4life Track Day, held at Hampton Downs for a number of years. The Race4life Track Day provides an opportunity for palliative care patients and their families to experience high-octane rides in race cars, a helicopter, and in big rig trucks. Rides on motorbikes and in classic and prestigious cars are also available on the day.
The main thrust of Race4life is to provide opportunities for palliative care patients all over NZ to tick off those bucketlist items. It is indeed quite a privilege, as Viv James — the general manager — so often states, to be privy to the compassion and kindness shown by businesses, service providers and communities alike throughout New Zealand.
Viv elaborates: “It is an honour to see that people all over NZ are willing to make a difference. Once they become involved, they see the difference that is made. As a result many businesses and communities are happy to be involved in subsequent wishes. Without wanting to be sanctimonious it would appear ‘that in giving we do in fact receive.’”
With a number of the URG associates having to deal with terminal diagnosis in the last few years, Peter Martin and his team feel a close affiliation with the work of the Trust. They are determined to help and promote the aim to fulfil wishes of patients and provide cherished memories for all those left behind.