MEDIA RELEASE

24 May 2011

SBS Marathon Fundraising Gets serious for USAR Dogs

Boo, a NZ USAR Search Dog, and SBS Bank Riccarton manager Matthew Mark have met and they’re raring to go and ready to join the thousands taking part in this year’s SBS Marathon.

Relocated to a new course at Lincoln on Sunday 5 June, this year’s SBS Marathon is supporting the NZ USAR Search Dog Association as the charity of choice with many of the team, their dogs and supporters taking part in a variety of event distances on the day.

NZ USAR Search Dog Association president Tim Drennan introduced his dog Boo to eager athlete and SBS Bank Riccarton manager Mr Mark during their team training on Sunday and the pair “hit it off” in readiness for taking on the 10km run at the SBS Marathon.

“Boo’s a great dog, she’s got a really special quality and I know she’ll be a hit on the day, although I think she’ll be leading me all the way during the run,” Mr Mark said.

“It’s a fantastic cause and one that we fully appreciate the value of following the events of 22 February here in Christchurch. We know everyone involved with the SBS Marathon as either a participant or a supporter will be keen to offer the NZ USAR Search Dog Association some encouragement and financial assistance.”

“I’m already stoked with the donations that are rolling in through my fundraise online page.”

Mr Drennan said the association was raring to go in a number of events during the SBS Marathon with all the Christchurch-based operational handlers, including nine dogs expected to be present on the day. They are also expecting some younger dogs that are in training to attend with up to 20 additional supporters.

“It’s a real honour to be named the charity of choice this year and we’re extremely grateful to anyone who contributes through our association’s or Matt’s fundraise online pages, or by setting up their own page or making a donation on the day.

“Our team and supporters will be there with buckets in hand and funds from the SBS Marathon charity event will be used to support the dogs' training, transport and equipment.”

Mr Drennan said the NZ USAR Search Dog Association was committed to the development of an USAR search dog capability for New Zealand. USAR search dogs were a unique and incredibly valuable resource in the location of people trapped following the collapse of structures such as what transpired following the Canterbury earthquakes in February, as well as tornados, landslides and other natural and man-made disasters. The fast and effective location of trapped victims had a major effect on their chances of rescue and recovery.

Nine of the country USAR dogs are based in Christchurch with the other two in Auckland.

Anyone wishing to support the Urban Search and Rescue Dogs Association can do so by visiting one of the following websites: www.sbsmarathon.co.nz www.usardogs.org.nz www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/MatthewMark or by setting up their own fundraising page as a SBS Marathon entrant at www.fundraiseonline.co.nz

ENDS

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