Gyms’ footwork for charity
The Napier and Hastings Jetts Fitness centres got behind Kidney Kids of New Zealand when the two stores left treadmills running for 24 hours to raise money for new equipment at Starship Hospital.
As part of the nationwide Jetts Fitness 24hr Treadathon fundraiser, Hawke’s Bay stores left the treadmills running from 10am Thursday until 10am Friday last week.
Gym members and the public were encouraged to provide a small donation and hop on for a run.
Hastings assistant manager Midge Braddock said it was about raising money and awareness of the charity, which would be using the funds for New Zealand’s first dedicated paediatric haemodialysis unit at Starship Hospital.
Hastings raised a total of $290, and Napier $235.
The response from the public had been wonderful, she said, and there were only two hours during the early morning when Hastings staff were required to fill vacant spots on the treadmill.
‘‘We had a really good response. Staff members participated as well, it wasn’t just the public.’’
Personal trainer RaunMakirere said it had been ‘‘massive’’.
‘‘We came in at one in the morning and ran through until 3am, just filling in spots. Other than that, it was pretty good.
‘‘There were heaps of people wanting to help and if they couldn’t participate they just wanted to donate some money anyway. Other than that, it was a primo turnout.’’