3 minute read
BREATHE BETTER SEPTEMBER
LAPS FOR LUNGS
This year, for Breathe Better September, the Foundation encouraged Kiwis to get involved in 'Laps for Lungs'. We had people living with respiratory conditions, their families and the wider community participate.
A huge thank you to our awesome 'Lappers' for all the effort they put in to this fundraising event! Their hard work and dedication to raise funds and awareness helps to support the vital work we do across the motu.
We also want to thank our campaign sponsor and Friends of the Foundation Silver Partner, HRV. Together, we were able to provide some of our amazing Lappers with a $15,000 HRV Healthy Home Package, a Schools Prize and a Workplace Prize this year.
Other Fundraisers
Colyton School
Surrounded in a sea of blue, students from Colyton School ran laps of their school field for six hours to raise funds and awareness of respiratory illness - and had loads of fun while doing it. Runners from the school carried and passed the baton for an incredible 415 laps, or 83 km!
Their efforts raised $267 to support the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s work. Thank you to all those who participated and a special thank you to Shannon Skelton-Morris for organising this great event.
Jamie-Lee G.
After losing a family member, Belinda, to COPD last year - her sister Debbie, niece Stacey, and three children Jamie, Ben and Sam each shaved their heads (and held a bingo afternoon) in her honour. She was a strong, loving women who would fight fiercely to do anything for her friends and family.
Their gathering in Waikouaiti was both fun and heartfelt, and their amazing effort raised over $5,000!
Chris McKeown
Growing up in a cold, damp council house in Scotland, Chris struggled with asthma. Everything changed when his house was renovated when he was 12 years old – his asthma practically disappeared. He didn’t face any issues again until moving to New Zealand. So when the chance came to support the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, he didn’t hesitate.
Helping others breathe easier is something deeply personal to him, and he was determined to raise as much money as he could to help make a difference. Chris raised over $4,000 through the sale of his stunning calendars during September.
Lauren C.
Lauren’s daughter Izzy was the motivation for her involvement in Breathe Better September. The work we do at the Foundation is very close to Lauren’s heart - Izzy has “gone through so much in her little life.”
Lauren collected prizes from local businesses, putting together a raffle and gift basket. Her efforts raised $2,132 for the Foundation.
