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6 | InTouch SUMMER 2023 NEWS ROUNDUP Rolling to success The Roll 1k for MDA challenge was the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand’s (MDANZ) Annual Appeal fundraising and awareness campaign that saw our supporters rolling 1km in distance on any kind of wheels and fundraising amongst family and friends. Fundraisers were encouraged to sign up, create their own fundraising page and then spread the word far and wide – asking family, friends, and colleagues for donations. Kristin Cross, Fundraising and Partnerships Advisor, says “The funds raised will go towards our services that support members emotional and social wellbeing, like our condition-specific support and coffee groups. And each MDA region will receive the funds raised by their supporters making sure members in these communities directly benefit”, she said. Over 42 fundraisers, made up of members, families, staff, and supporters signed up to roll during the official challenge week from the 18th September – 1st October and together raised over $25,062. The effort made by this years’ participants across New Zealand was amazing and will have really helped raise awareness of kiwi children and adults who have neuromuscular conditions. Part of that awareness was due to having our new Ambassador, Callum Hedge, on board. Callum not only fundraised $3,433 for the Association and spoke about his goal on social media platforms, but also gave three lucky prize winners the thrill of their lives as he zoomed them around Hampton Downs in a Lamborghini. “A great new addition this year was our supporter organisations taking part. Allied Medical, Harley’s Owners Group (HOGs), and Te Kura Whakaora Ngangahau (School of Occupational Therapy) all fundraised and completed the challenge. The HOGs even made a special guest appearance at our Hampton Down’s event and gave a spectacular show for attendees as they rocketed around the track.” Kristin said. Members from as far South as Gore and to Whangarei in the North rolled on skates, got pushed in wheelbarrows or biked their way to the 1km mark being supported by their friends, whanau, and communities. National Executive Chairperson, Trevor Jenkin, says “We were so impressed yet again with everyone’s efforts, and it was tremendous to see so many members getting involved.” Rolling his way to the top of the fundraising leaderboard was Mads Harrison, aged 7, from the South Island Branch. Mads raised an impressive $4,797 and won himself an OPPO Find X3 Pro Smartphone (kindly donated by Spark). The top fundraising team for Roll1k 2023, the Hampton Rollers, raised over $2,100. Each team member won themselves a pair of wireless earbuds thanks to our friends at One Technology! With another successful campaign behind us, members can continue to benefit from wellbeing services led by our local Branches. Our annual appeal does another lap. A special thanks must go to our key partners One Technology, Spark and Rothbury’s Insurance for supporting our 2023 campaign. And to Noah and Tommy Fearnley (members from Christchurch) for giving up their time to be the face on all our promotional material. Mads Harrison, Top Fundraiser for 2023.