Auction to keep lifeguards on patrol

Photo/File

The auction of a brand new vehicle valued at over $80,000 began this morning in a bid to raise much needed funds for the charity helping to keep New Zealanders safe at the beach every summer.

As one of Surf Life Saving New Zealand's valued partners, Thrifty Car Rental has listed a brand new Toyota Highlander Limited ZR which has a recommended retail price of $80,990 on Trade Me.

The premium 5 star ANCAP safety rated all-wheel drive vehicle comes in the winner's colour of choice and features a nine inch LCD entertainment screen, reversing monitor, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, sunroof, leather interiors and six speed automatic transmission.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Principal Partner State Insurance is also offering one year's free car insurance to the winner of the auction and BP is providing a gift card valued at $260.

Once the auction reserve has been met, all profits from the auction sale will be donated directly to Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

This is the second year that Thrifty has run a car auction in an effort to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Thrifty Car Rental NZ General Manager Emma Gardiner says Thrifty is pleased to once again be running this auction and helping to support our 'heroes of the beach'.

"Last year's auction successfully helped raise much needed funds for SLSNZ and we're delighted to be able to undertake the auction again. It's also our chance to proactively give back to the communities and customers we serve in a really meaningful way," she said.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton says he is grateful to Thrifty for undertaking the auction. The organisation is dependent on its sponsors and partners like Thrifty, along with the general public, to keep its lifeguards trained and on patrol.

"Over 1,300 people made it home to their families safe and sound last summer thanks to the efforts of the country's surf lifeguards, he says.

"We hope the auction will once again raise significant funds so our lifeguards are there for their communities when they're needed next summer."

The vehicle auction is now live at http://trade.me/Thrifty and closes at 8pm on Wednesday August 12.