Bean counters with big hearts will be running a non-stop relay from Napier to Wellington to support families who will stay in Wellington’s new Ronald McDonald House.
The 32 hour PwC Big Run Home relay will see more than 70 PwC staff and partners running night and day as they strive to cover the 340-kilometre distance to raise at least $50,000 to sponsor a new computer suite at the House.
Runner and PwC Napier partner Tony Pattison says giving access to essential online services means more than convenience to families with children at Wellington Hospital.
"During times of stress, the comfort that comes from staying in touch with loved ones is enormous," he says.
"For the first time, House families will be able to email, send photos and chat online meaning their support networks back home will be closer than ever before. Hopefully our small gesture helps during this difficult time."
The PwC Big Run Home is scheduled to start at 8am on Friday 18 February at the Hawke's Bay PwC office in Napier and will continue until the relay team reaches Wellington's Basin Reserve at 4pm on Saturday 19 February.
On route, the team will be encouraged and greeted by past House families and other supporters as they pass through local communities. Supporters will also be invited to sign their support on the old House door which will travel with the runners to Wellington.
Once at the Basin Reserve, supporters and past House families will join the runners to complete the final leg of the journey back to the House together. At the House, the team will be welcomed home with a farewell gala to celebrate 20 years of Ronald McDonald House Wellington helping families in need. Live entertainment, fun stalls and games will be on offer to past House families and supporters. Gala guests will also be invited to write farewell messages on the House walls.
Ronald McDonald House Wellington Chief Executive, Lesley Slieker, says the opening of the new House marks a fresh beginning for the charity.
"The new House will mean we can open our home to a growing number of families and ensure we never have to turn anyone away," she says. "The ongoing support of local people and organisations, such as the PwC runners, are essential if we're to achieve our dream of helping a greater number of families in need."
To sponsor the PwC Big Run Home runners and support families who will be staying at Ronald McDonald House Wellington, go to www.pwc.com/nz/pwcbigrunhome.
