Charity fun runs held during the recent North and South New Zealand Big Camps have raised more than $A1800 ($NZD2000) for family and community projects across ADRA New Zealand.
More than 250 people participated in the January 10 event in Rotorua, entitled the “Live More Fun Run”, while 120 people were present for the January 18 “Hagley Hunger Fun Run” in Hagley Park, Christchurch.
“[One of our aims] was for our Church to be profiled within the community while raising funds for community projects run by ADRA in Rotorua and Christchurch,” said New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC) health director Adrielle Carrasco.
“In this way, after Big Camp has concluded, and we go back to our respective home towns or cities, we leave behind a wonderful legacy, which will have a positive effect on the community and support the Adventist churches and schools we leave behind in the Rotorua and Christchurch areas.”
This was the second year both events have been held and the Union is hoping to build on this year’s numbers for further Big Camps, eventually integrating the run/walk as part of the regular Big Camp program.
“It is a new concept and a little different to what we usually do at Big Camp, but it’s also something the whole camp has an opportunity to get involved with—coming together and participating as a group or as families and friends,” Ms Carrasco said.
“These community events bring out the best in everyone.”
