Peter and Shirley's vaka for the upcoming charity race from Paihia to Invercargill
The iconic Pork Pie Charity Run returns this year with a 6 day, 2400 km race starting in Paihia and seeing teams snake their way down the country to Invercargill to raise money for KidsCan. From March 31st to April 5th, teams will be touring the length of New Zealand in support of children in need.
Inspired by the iconic Kiwi film ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’, the run has become a popular event for MINI enthusiasts in New Zealand and internationally.
Team Lellow Submarine, captained by wife and husband, Shirley Sisepi-Fraser and Peter Fraser, are setting out to raise $10,800 for KidsCan.
Pork Pie Charity Run is raising money this year for KidsCan
“It’s an odd amount to set as a target,” says Shirley, “but that means support for 30 kids. We wanted our goal to be set specifically with a number of children in mind.”
They chose the amount as it costs KidsCan $360 per year, less than a dollar a day, to provide a child in need with a jacket, shoes, socks, and food at school.
Representing Niue, The Rock of the Pacific, first-time Pork Pie-ers Shirley and Peter are excited to be racing for KidsCan. Shirley has gotten their Mini roof wrapped with the Niuean flag, taking a piece of home with her on the road!
Peter and Shirley first learned of the Pork Pie charity race when they shared a meal with Peter Bjarnesen, one of the race organisers.
“They are genuine caring people with a desire to raise funds for charity and have fun whilst doing it,” says Peter Fraser. “Bjarnesen told us of the Pork Pie Charity Run, where he and a couple of other passionate hard cases raise funds for charity and 2023 would be for KidsCan.”
Peter, Shirley and their lovely dog Scout standing in front of their #PorkPie Niuean Mini
So in January 2022 Fraser reached out to Bjarnesen to find out how to get involved and after a quick chat with Shirley, they were all in as team Lellow Submarine
The decision to get involved was a no-brainer.
“If children don’t have the necessities at the start, what hope have they got of achieving their potential and us of leaving a better New Zealand than we found it,” says Fraser.
“We are keen to hit the road at the end of March and tour this country bringing the light and love of Niue to cities up and down Aotearoa for an excellent cause.”
“We hope you can help us reach our goal to raise enough donations, $10,800, to support 30 children in need. Whatever you can spare will be greatly appreciated by us, the team at KidsCan, and most importantly the children who receive your support,” says Shirley.
To date across all 7 previous events over $1,000,000 has been raised for Starship Hospital, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, and KidsCan with $320,000 during the last run in 2021.
To follow along with their roadie check out their Instagram and to donate head over to their Pork Pie Charity Page!
