Solid-gold effort raises $42,000

CHB’s very own Winter Olympics has just raised the bar on its showjumping success . . . with this year’s fundraising total stopping the clock at $42,000.

“Three years ago we raised $19,000 and half went to the HB Rescue Helicopter. This year KidsCan gets $28k to help disadvantaged children in Hawke’s Bay,” says a delighted, if a little tired, Claire Wilson who began the event as a fundraiser for Flemington School in 2010.

Claire shared a screenshot of the bank account on her Facebook page “because it’s hard to believe we raised $42,000 for this community and charity grassroots fundraising event. If you were a volunteer, sponsor, rider or supporter give yourself a massive pat on the back. We had offers of sponsorship from all over NZ, and some people or businesses that I’ve never even heard of . . . the generosity has been truly overwhelming.”

The amount raised was rounded up by newest and final 2021 Winter Olympic sponsor Pedersen Spreaders, who deposited $92.05 into the event’s fundraising account. Of this, $42,000-$28,000 will go to KidsCan, with a focus on aiding Hawke’s Bay children living in poverty. The balance of $14,000 will go to Dannevirke Hunt, who worked before and during the event and organised a barbecue lunch and secondhand shop.

Left: Triplets Ben, Alex and Cat Fraser were very happy with the ribbons they won on their pony Nigel.

Monty the hand-me-down pony with previous family Lou White and George (left) and current family Lucy and Emma McKinstry.

Top NZ polo player Dave Miller borrowed his wife’s horse to take part in his first showjumping event.

Maddison Miller rides the very experienced and very shiny 16-yearold pony Licorice.

Ella Barrett and her pony Scotty tackle an obstacle in the Cowboy Challenge.

Below: Nicola Smyth from Dannevirke jumped at the chance to have a fun day out.