Country2Coast proceeds shared

Havelock North Rotary Club president Stephen Randal with Christine Apperley from the Anderson Park Community Group, one of the recipients of proceeds from Country2Coast. Photo / Paul Taylor

Last night, organisations helping out Hawke's Bay communities were given a $7500 boost.

The funds, raised from this year's Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast event, were distributed by the Havelock North Rotary Club to the Salvation Army's emergency response unit, the Anderson Park community group, and the Hastings Giants boxing academy.

National organisation Ronald McDonald house would also benefit, as the club donated $5 from the entry fee of every child entered in Country2Coast.

Last night at the Havelock North Function Centre, members of the Rotary Club, representatives of the event's major sponsors, and Napier City and Hastings District mayors, Bill Dalton and Lawrence Yule, celebrated.

Club president Stephen Randal said the event was about the donations, but also acknowledging, and thanking the sponsors.

Country2Coast event director Kevin Longman said they valued the support of the major sponsors, as the event could not be staged without them. Last night also gave sponsors the chance "to see that their financial support transfers into returns for the community".

The money donated was only a portion of what the club distributes every year, which Mr Longman said was around $30,000 raised from two major fundraising events.