Contact Tri helps Cure Kids

For immediate release

Contact Tri helps Cure Kids

Kiwi kids who live with a life-threatening illness could be better off, thanks to the $89,000 raised by the thousands of New Zealanders who challenged themselves in this season’s Contact Tri Series.

Cure Kids is set to receive more than $89,000 following the Contact Tri Series, thanks to Contact Energy’s pledge of $1 for every kilometre completed.

That money would help fund vital medical research into cures and better treatments for children living with a life-threatening illness, Cure Kids CEO Vicki Lee says.

More than 3,600 people competed in the Contact Tri Series, with events held in Rotorua, Whangamata, Wanaka, Christchurch, Kinloch, Auckland and Wellington. Collectively they covered 89,025 kilometres.

“It was fantastic to have people of all ages pushing themselves in the Contact Tri Series, and we hope they are proud of the contribution they will make towards finding ways to improve the quality of life and prolong the lives of our precious Kiwi kids,” Lee says.

“Contact Energy’s contribution will benefit children in every community in New Zealand, every neighbourhood Contact works in, and we are grateful to have their on-going support.”

Making a positive difference in communities throughout New Zealand is important to Contact Energy, which is why the company supports Cure Kids, says Contact’s GM Strategic Communications and Partnerships, Nick Robinson.

“Our campaign features Cure Kids ambassador Jenna, who has had a tough journey in life. Her story is a perfect example of why we support Cure Kids’ investment in the search for better medical treatments for our kids.”

Six-year-old Jenna, who lives with Down syndrome, was born with congenital cataracts that were removed, as well as the lenses behind her eyes, when she was six weeks old. At nine months old, Jenna was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes and at a year old, had open-heart surgery to mend a 20mm hole in her heart. After surgery Jenna started to lose her hair and was diagnosed as having alopecia.

This is the fourth year Cure Kids has been the recipient charity. More than $340,000 has been raised since the 2009/2010 season.

ENDS

About Cure Kids:

Cure Kids is a leading funder of child health research in New Zealand.
Cure Kids has had breakthroughs and is searching for better treatments and cures for a wide range of children’s life-threatening illnesses and conditions, including leukaemia and other cancers, heart disease, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy and genetic malformations.

About the Contact Tri Series:

The Contact Tri Series consists of seven events held throughout New Zealand and brings together triathletes of all levels including children, beginners and professional athletes.
Contact is Principal Partner of Triathlon New Zealand.

About Contact Energy:

Contact Energy is one of New Zealand's leading energy generators and retailers, providing electricity, natural gas and LPG to around 560,000 customers nationwide.
Contact has a long-standing relationship with Cure Kids and since 2009, the organisation has pledged $1 to Cure Kids for every kilometre swum, cycled or ran in Contact Tri Series events.

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