For Immediate Release
16 July, 2009
Project KPH Bathurst trip closer to reality thanks to major donations
Project KPH’s mission to take two special needs children to the V8 racing mecca of Bathurst in Australia in October has received a major boost with a $5000 donation from the Mad Butcher and a gift of airfares from Air New Zealand.
Project KPH announced in May that two Canterbury special needs children had been selected from more than 60 Project KPH kids nationwide to take the trip, and some major fundraising activities have been underway ever since.
Sabrina Lawson (11) from Christchurch is a cancer survivor and Logan Fynn (10) from Timaru suffers from cystic fibrosis.
Project KPH founder, Leah Evans, says the donations have given the project a major boost, meaning the team only has to raise a few thousand dollars more to make the trip happen.
“At the very least, we needed to raise approximately $7000 to cover airfares, accommodation, food and other details. With the flights from Air New Zealand, and now a significant donation from the Mad Butcher, we are some giant leaps closer to this trip.
“I am absolutely over-whelmed by their generosity. We all know that times are tough, and that makes their contribution even more important to us,” says Leah.
“Project KPH literally runs on the smell of an oily rag. It is completely funded through sponsorship and donations, with all funding received to date spent on providing outings for special needs children. The administration and all other support is provided on a voluntary basis.
“The children and their families have been working very hard on their own fundraising contribution to the trip, and I’m so excited that we’re going to be able to pull it off for them. It’s quite simply the trip of a lifetime and one which they are unlikely to ever forget. It’s just magic.”
Michael Morton from The MAD Butcher says he feels privileged to be involved in Project KPH, and for the company to be in a position to make a contribution to the trip.
“Project KPH has a personal connection for me. Unfortunately I am a carrier of cystic fibrosis, and we tragically lost our niece to this terrible disease.
“We wanted to do whatever we could do to help kids suffering from special needs like this to live life to the fullest and experience as much as they possibly can. I can’t wait to see the photos and hear the stories from this trip!”
Project KPH is a charitable trust which enables special needs children to experience the thrill of motorsport, without the fear of stigma or negative attention.
Project KPH was established by Rotorua woman Leah Evans in October 2007, taking two “rev heads” with Cerebral Palsy to Pukekohe for Round One of the V8 competition. Since then, 63 children have participated in events across New Zealand.
Sabrina and Logan attended New Zealand motorsport events at Ruapuna Park in late November 2008 and Levels Park Raceway in January 2009 respectively and are both avid motor racing fans.
On the Australian trip, the children, accompanied by a parent each, will go behind the scenes at Bathurst, meeting drivers, visiting pit areas and experience the racing up close and personal. The trip will include a visit with kiwi racing legend, Greg Murphy and Johnny McIntyre, a former NZV8 Champion who will drive for Stone Brothers Racing for the event.
“Project KPH has had an unbelievable impact on these children and their families. We literally see their self-confidence grow in the space of just one day. We are able to give these kids an outing that is not generally available to the public. It’s an experience that is unique and holds true meaning for them.
“While these kids may have different special needs, they all have one thing in common – a passion for Motorsport. We make sure they are able to enjoy their sport in the same way as anyone else would – but even better.”
For further information about Project KPH, check out www.projectkph.co.nz
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For further information, contact:
Jacky James
Phone: 021 577 871
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