[11 February 2011]
Bean counters with big hearts will be running a non-stop relay from Napier to Wellington to support families who will stay in Wellington’s new Ronald McDonald House.
The 32 hour PwC Big Run Home relay will see more than 70 PwC staff and partners running night and day as they strive to cover the 340-kilometre distance to raise at least $50,000 to sponsor a new computer suite at the House.
Runner and PwC Wellington partner Richard Longman says for the first time families staying at the House will be able to access essential online services as their children undergo care at Wellington Hospital.
“For families dealing with so much, being able to manage day-to-day activities and stay connected with loved ones will hopefully make all the difference,” he says.
“When your child is sick in a hospital bed the last thing you need to be worried about is how you’re going to pay bills or check emails. Hopefully our small gesture will take away some of that stress.”
The PwC Big Run Home is scheduled to start at 8am on Friday 18 February at the Hawke’s Bay PwC office in Napier and will continue until the relay team reaches Wellington’s Basin Reserve at 4pm on Saturday 19 February.
En route, the team will be encouraged and greeted by past House families and other supporters as they pass through local communities. Supporters will also be invited to sign their support on the old House door which will travel with the runners to Wellington.
Once at the Basin Reserve, supporters and past House families will join the runners to complete the final leg of the journey back to the House together. At the House, the team will be welcomed home with a farewell gala to celebrate 20 years of Ronald McDonald House Wellington helping families in need. Live entertainment, fun stalls and games will be on offer to past House families and supporters. Gala guests will also be invited to write farewell messages on the House walls.
Finally, PwC runners will present their donation and ‘door-of-support’ to symbolise the closing of the old House, before a new door is opened on a bigger and better facility in 2012.
Ronald McDonald House Wellington Chief Executive, Lesley Slieker, says the opening of the new House marks a fresh beginning for the charity.
“The new House will mean we can open our home to a growing number of families and ensure we never have to turn anyone away,” she says. “The ongoing support of local people and organisations, such as the PwC runners, are essential if we’re to achieve our dream of helping a greater number of families in need.”
To sponsor the PwC Big Run Home runners and support families who will be staying at Wellington’s new Ronald McDonald House, go to www.pwc.com/nz/pwcbigrunhome.
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Notes to editors:
- To speak to past Ronald McDonald House Wellington families from local communities across the lower North Island region, please contact us and we will be happy to facilitate your requests.
- There will be a launch event in Napier on February 18 to kick-off the PwC Big Run Home and send runners on their way – please advise if you would like to attend this.
- Along the route, local supporters and past House families will be encouraged to cheer runners as they complete the relay. We foresee there will be good photo and filming opportunities throughout the day and night. Please contact us and we can advise you of the best times and locations.
- The farewell gala at Ronald McDonald House Wellington will be catered – please let us know if you would like to attend so we can ensure we have enough refreshments, food and nibbles on hand!
For further information or media inquiries please contact:
James Roberts
Communications Executive
PwC
Tel: (09) 355 8214 or (027) 552 6377
Email: james.i.roberts@nz.pwc.com
Marise Hurley
Communications Manager
PwC
Ph (09) 355 8077
Email: marise.j.hurley@nz.pwc.com
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