Hundreds Join The Meningitis Trust And Waddle

NEWS RELEASE
21st March - for immediate release

Hundreds join the Meningitis Trust and waddle round the Springs!

Hundreds of children, grown ups and even a few duck look a likes, waddled and toddled their way from Auckland Zoo round Western Springs to MOTAT last Sunday in the Meningitis Trust’s first large Auckland Toddle Waddle.

Children, parents and friends from all over Auckland joined Kevin Milne and his daughter Tommie, April Bruce and her daughter Atlanta and put their best feet forward to support this fundraising event.

Toddle Waddle is a fun walk for young children and their carers or parents. Whilst the children have heaps of fun with balloons, stickers and Monty the Duck hats the parents receive crucial meningitis awareness information.

Event Organiser Nicola Garland says, “It was fantastic to see so many people participating in the fun and it is an excellent enjoyable way for us to educate the community on this devastating disease”

The event is expected to raise thousands of dollars all of which will help the Meningitis Trust to extend their reach in the community and support the hundreds of individuals and families whose lives have been touched by meningitis.

Editor’s Notes

- Meningococcal disease continues to kill more under fives than any other infectious disease. Group B meningococcal disease is the most common cause of meningitis in NZ. In July 2004 the government launched its vaccination programme against this strain which is being rolled out across the country.

- The Meningitis Trust is New Zealand’s leading meningitis charity and work provides support for life through a range of services including 24 hour helpline, financial grants, one-to-one contacts and community based support. The Trust relies on voluntary donations to fund its lifesaving work.

ENDS