Eye care charity calls on Kiwis to run for fun

Eye care charity calls on Kiwis to run for fun and help restore sight

For immediate release: 19 December 2013

With the Fullers Waiheke Wharf2Wharf Fun Run taking place in just a month’s time, The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ today reminds the New Zealand public that it’s not too late to strap on their sneakers and transform the lives of needlessly blind people in the Pacific.

2014 sees The Foundation partner with Wharf2Wharf as one of two preferred charities, with opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get running and walking while they fundraise to help restore sight in the Pacific. Whether entrants are seasoned runners, first-time racers, or participating with family, everyone is warmly invited to take part in the 18 January event.

Andrew Bell, Executive Director of The Foundation explained:

“This is a unique opportunity to get out, get fit, and create lasting change for so many Pacific people who are blind and don’t need to be.

We’d love to see as many people as possible sign up for Wharf2Wharf and fundraise on our behalf. By doing so, participants can help us extend dramatically the reach of our work restoring sight and training eye doctors and nurses in the Pacific.

In the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, four out of five people who are blind don’t need to be; their condition is preventable or treatable.

For every $25 fundraised, that’s a person’s sight restored. Knowing this is certain to be a great motivator during training and throughout the event.”

The Wharf2Wharf event encompasses four courses: 7, 12, 13 and 25kms. The 25km course from Orapiu to Matiatia is respected by experienced runners for its challenging hills, while the 7km run is designed for children and families. Participants can expect a fun-filled atmosphere complete with colourful water stalls and post-race entertainment provided by media partner The Coast.

The Fred Hollows Foundation carries on the work of a legendary New Zealander, the late Professor Fred Hollows. Fred was an internationally acclaimed eye surgeon and social justice activist. He was also a runner!

All funds raised for The Foundation through Wharf2Wharf will go towards restoring eyesight and training eye doctors and nurses in the Pacific.
To find out more and download a fundraising kit visit hollows.org.nz/w2w or phone 0800 227 229. Registration for the Fullers Waiheke Wharf2Wharf Fun Run takes place online.

ENDS

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