Autosure smashes charity goal
Autosure has smashed its fundraising target to support research into gut cancer and collected more than $8,500 in the space of four weeks.
The company, part of DPL Insurance, says it had set a target of raising $4,500 in March for the Gut Cancer Foundation through an online donation campaign and its annual charity auction.
However, it is on course to potentially double that goal after the auction raised $4,000 and more than $4,500 had been given in donations, as of 9am on March 28.
A silent auction for a range of items began on March 1 before a push to take the top bids even higher during a live event in Auckland on March 20 where James Searle, DPL Insurance’s chief executive officer, was auctioneer.
“It’s our fifth year of having the auction,” says Searle. “Every year it grows and we really appreciate the donations from our staff and business partners.”
The highest bids from the event were $300 for a Mike Pero Racing jacket signed by Kiwi motorsport legend Greg Murphy and $250 for a Biante Holden VF Commodore V8 Supercar model car kit.
Natalie Ross-Murphy, marketing manager, adds: “What a fantastic night. Our team were joined by a great bunch of very generous business partners and two very special guests from the Gut Cancer Foundation.
“The bidding was pretty ferocious but lots of fun and we raised an incredible amount of money for this amazing charity.”
The company’s fundraising efforts continue until the end of the month and donations can be made at www.giveitup.nz/autosure.
Ongoing support
Liam Willis, executive officer of the foundation, attended the auction and says it was a pleasure to speak with the Autosure team that helped make the event such a success.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Autosure and the wider Turners Automotive Group,” he adds.
“Over the last four years, the Turners Group has raised over $160,000 for the Gut Cancer Foundation, with Autosure playing a key role in this.
“That level of commitment means we can plan for the long term and commit to meaningful projects that are changing the dial for patients with cancers of the digestive system in New Zealand.”
Willis explains the funds raised will help bring international clinical trials to New Zealand, giving Kiwis access to new and unfunded treatments, support awareness campaigns and advocacy work, and contribute to the launch of a new patient information and carer support programme in the year ahead.
Collectively, gut cancers are the most common form of cancer in New Zealand and individually they have some of the worst outcomes and survival rates, and the solutions needed for these issues are systemic.
“To address them we have a lot of work to do and ambitious goals,” says Willis. “The support we receive from Autosure and the Turner’s Group plays a key role in our ability meet these goals.”
For more details about the charity, visit www.gutcancer.org.nz.
