Corporate Cabs charity fun day a success

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 12 March 2013

Corporate Cabs charity fun day a success

Deserving children from four Auckland charities were driven in style and comfort to Auckland Airport on Sunday for an exciting airside adventure thanks to the generosity of 25 Corporate Cabs owner-drivers.

The drivers and other Corporate Cabs volunteers collectively donated 150 hours (25 drivers x 6 hours + other volunteers) of time to the 25 children from Ronald McDonald House Auckland, Kidney Kids, Cure Kids and Kidz First.

The drivers, who thought up the initiative and helped organise the day, picked the children and their family members and caregivers up from all corners of Auckland and drove them to Auckland Museum; before heading in convoy to the airport.

Auckland Airport kindly supported the event by coordinating a once in a lifetime experience including a Marae welcome, a demonstration from NZ Customs Detector Dogs, Airport Emergency Service Officers and Aviation Security Service Explosive Detector Dogs. Children also enjoyed an airside runway tour and Air New Zealand simulator experience.

Corporate Cabs owner-driver, Noel Knight, says many of the children are bravely battling serious illnesses that affect them and also impact their families and those close to them.

“This was an opportunity for us to provide them with a unique and enjoyable experience that we hope helped them forget their sickness and pain, even if just for a short time.

“Many of the drivers volunteering their time have children and grandchildren and together we felt this was something small we could do to help out these families in need,” says Noel. “Last time we organised a similar event two years ago, it touched many of us deeply and it wasn’t hard to convince everyone to take part in another great Corporate Cabs initiative benefiting kids in need.”

Noel says the children were nominated by the four organisations, which all work to make children’s lives better.

Community Relations Manager for Auckland Airport, Katie Moore, said it was a special day for everyone involved.
“It was fantastic to see the kids and their parents having some time to enjoy themselves away from the hospital. We are lucky here at the airport that there is always a lot going on and much to see, meaning we could provide the families with a full fun day of activities. I would also like to thank our Airport Emergency Services team, as well as Air New Zealand, Customs and Aviation Security, for jumping on board and making this day one to remember for the kids!”

The children each received goodie bags and lunch was supplied by Auckland Airport and caps from Corporate Cabs.

About the organisations which nominated children:

• Cure Kids funds innovative, results-driven research into all childhood diseases which affect New Zealand children and their families.

“Cure Kids is grateful to Corporate Cabs for treating our ambassadors to such a wonderful day. Cure Kids is unique in that it funds medical research in to children's life-threatening illnesses. So we really appreciate the support companies give us to make them feel special, while we can direct our funds into finding the cures these kids need.” Vicki Lee, Cure Kids CEO.

• Kidz First Children’s Hospital is an 82-bed unit within Middlemore Hospital.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience for many of our children. We know this day will bring smiles to the faces of our children and perhaps inspire a new career dream. Thank you Corporate Cabs and Auckland Airport for providing this fun day out.” Marlene Stratton, Service Manager, Kidz First Children’s Hospital.
• Ronald McDonald House Auckland is a ‘home away from home’ for families from all over New Zealand whose children require potentially lifesaving treatment.

“Being far from home with a child needing specialist medical treatment is never easy. So here at Ronald McDonald House Auckland we provide more than just a place to sleep, ensuring that the 80 families with us each night are better placed to get through their medical journey. Key to this is being able to spend time away from the hospital campus and with the help of our friends Corporate Cabs we can offer families an opportunity to put aside their worries and have a day to remember at the Auckland Airport Fun Day. Despite everything that our families may be going through we know that having time to simply focus on having fun will bring a great deal of comfort to children and adults alike and provide a welcomed distraction. We have a House full of excited children who cannot wait for the Fun Day so thank you Corporate Cabs for bringing a smile to their faces!” Wayne Howett, Ronald McDonald House Auckland Chief Executive.

• Kidney Kids is a group of New Zealand parents and children, who are dealing with kidney issues.

“Kidney Kids of New Zealand and our families have been privileged to be invited to take part in the Corporate Cabs Airport Experience for 2013. It means a lot to our children who suffer from kidney disease or renal failure to have the opportunity to attend and experience an event as unique and special as the Corporate Cabs Fun Day Out. Our children, who spend so much of their life waiting for a chance to lead normal lives, are offered a chance to ‘enjoy the moment’ in a safe and secure environment.” Keith Mackenzie, Kidney Kids Acting Chief Executive.

About Corporate Cabs

Corporate Cabs is New Zealand’s premier national cab operator, with a 400-strong fleet in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.
Founded more than 20 years ago, Corporate Cabs’ owner-drivers have carved an enviable reputation from their commitment to providing respectable, reliable, professional services and going the extra mile for their customers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media