A 250km charity bike ride featuring three All Black legends has broken records as the coldest and snowiest – but most successful – in its 12 year history.
With Westpac Chopper Appeal Month coming to an end on Wednesday May 31, the annual Chopper Bike Ride has so far raised more than $150,000 for the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust – a record-breaking figure.
Westpac Ambassador and former All Black captain Richie McCaw was among the 80 cyclists who braved the snow-lined route from Queenstown to Invercargill. Other participants included Westpac staff from around the country, Southland-based rides and local first responders.
"You never know when you might need the chopper, so to see all the communities who understand that doing their little bit to make sure we keep them in the air is what it's all about", says McCaw.
"It's been a great day and I think I'll be back to have another crack next year!"
McCaw was joined by fellow 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning teammates Mils Muliaina and Jimmy Cowan, who donned the lycra in near-freezing conditions for the 12-hour ride.
"It's a wee bit out of my comfort zone but it's for a wonderful cause and I’m just so stoked to be part of it, it's been awesome," says Muliaina.
The Chopper Bike Ride was one of many fundraising events organised and supported by Westpac staff around the country during May, with all money raised helping local rescue helicopter trusts pay for lifesaving equipment, supplies, crew training and much more.
Westpac NZ General Manager of Institutional and Business Banking Reuben Tucker took part in the ride and thanked the public for its support of Chopper Appeal Month.
"This was way, way more than a bike ride. It was a view into who we are as an organisation and just how important this charity is to so many of these small towns that we rode through today."
This year's impressive tally takes the total amount raised by the Chopper Bike Ride to more than $900,000 over 12 years.
Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal and distributes all funds raised back to donors' local rescue helicopter trust.
You can find out more or donate now by visiting www.chopperappeal.co.nz
Article created in partnership with Westpac NZ.
