A Balclutha›based team is already preparing for the 2023 Pork Pie Charity Run.
Retired contractor and Mini enthusiast Graeme Blackmore has booked a place for his ’97 custom Mini ute to join the two› yearly fundraising road trip especially for Mini owners, based loosely on the route taken by the Blondini Gang in the original 1981 movie.
The first run took place in 2009, 36 teams making the trip from Kaitaia to Invercargill over five days, and subsequent runs have had numbers increase to the 60›car maximum with six days on the road.
‘‘Places got snatched up in about 10 minutes. It’s March 31 to April 6 next year but all the donations and sponsorship we can raise go to KidsCan charitable trust so my niece Tanya, who’ll be coming with me, already has our webpage set up,’’ Mr Blackmore said.
The run has raised more than $1 million for Starship Children’s Hospital, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand and KidsCan, $320,000 having been raised last year.
The Balclutha team, named ‘‘Crazy Uncle’’, is gratefully accepting donations at https:/ /porkpiecharityrun.org.nz/ page/CrazyUncle .
REPORT AND PHOTO: NICK BROOK
