Fifty teams of intrepid Kiwis rolled in from Haast Pass to Cromwell’s Highlands Motorsport Park on Tuesday of last week, and then lined up for a spectacular, colourful lap around the Highlands Motorsport Park track. They were participating in The Pork Pie Charity Run for KidsCan, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. A quick photo opportunity for the charity, and then it was ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’ as they rolled on out again to continue to Queenstown.
The teams stayed overnight in Queenstown and were met by KidsCan Ambassador Jordan Watson (‘How to Dad’) and KidsCan founder and CEO, Julie Chapman.
“It’s a true test of endurance for the cars and their drivers,” organiser Tracey Brake says. “We’ve got Minis from 1964 with 850cc motors. Travelling long distances in a classic Mini is a bit like being a marble in a biscuit tin. But it is so much fun.”
Tracey adds, “To get to the finish line you need a finely tuned sense of humour, a chiropractor on speed dial and an AA Plus membership – that’s vital.”
The teams came from all over New Zealand, to take part in the epic 2350km journey, from Paihia to Invercargill, to raise money for children in need.
The biennial event began in 2009, and in 2019 the run raised more than $290,000 for KidsCan, which provides children living in hardship with food, jackets, shoes and health items, so that nothing stops them from learning.
Julie Chapman says, “We’re so grateful to be the recipient of this wonderful, quintessentially Kiwi roadie,” adding, “Children need our support more than ever, and I’d urge anyone who can support these crazy teams to please donate what they can – it makes such a difference.”
