LOOK HOW MUCH WE RAISED
TOGETHER WE RAISED $13,000 FOR WANGANUI RIDING FOR THE DISABLED
The Golf
On Friday 22 February, NZME Whanganui held their annual Charity Golf Day in collaboration with Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui. A staple of the local sporting and social calendar, this is a funfilled event that brings local businesses together in friendly competition, in aid of the naming sponsor’s chosen charity.
This year, Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui’s Hayden and Sarah Gibson chose a charity close to their hearts – Wanganui Riding for the Disabled. Having grown up with horses, Sarah is very aware of the cost and the work involved in caring for one, let alone many horses. They are both also aware just how much Riding for the Disabled helps children and adults with disabilities in our community.
In total, 17 teams competed over 18 holes, in a fiveman Ambrose tournament. Ambrose is the most social and quickest of all golf games and usually takes around four to five hours for an 18 hole round. Tee-off was at 11, and by 4pm the teams were making their way back to the clubhouse after an action-packed day of golf and friendly rivalry. The evening continued with prize giving, and a charity auction. Spirits were high, and goodnatured bidding wars ensued over the generously donated auction items. Christina from NZME said the prizes were of an excellent calibre and quality this year.
The Charity
“As a local business, it was important to us to support a local charity,” says Hayden Gibson of Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui.
“We wanted the community to understand exactly what Riding for the Disabled does for kids, like Carter (Hoskin, pictured) and so many others.”
In a short but meaningful speech, Hayden and Sarah presented the exciting result of all the hard work put in by organisers and sponsors alike:
“On behalf of NZME and Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui, and all of the supporters of our Charity Golf Day, we would like to present you with this cheque for $13,000.”
Cue jaw drop, as Wendy Sellars (pictured, of the RDA) and Carter received the donation that means so much to them.
The RDA must raise a total of $445,000 by June in order to buy the land they occupy on Purnell Street, and this money will take their total to over $150,000 raised.
Wendy said that the donation reduced her to tears. She is thankful for the association with Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui, which she says has “raised the profile of the RDA”.
Carter was excited to be involved in receiving the cheque, and made sure to say “thank you from the ponies!” He has been riding at the RDA for more than two years now, and his favourite horse is Stella. Anyone who would like to help with fundraising initiatives is welcome to bring their ideas to the Riding for the Disabled AGM on Tuesday March 5th, 78 Purnell Street, Whanganui.