Mini propels mighty charity-challenge

ROAD TRIP: Steve Priest and Marcel Van der Park are travelling the country collecting money for prostate cancer. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

A "classic Kiwi road trip" in a blue Austin Mini car in aid of prostate cancer has rolled into Masterton where nearly $2000 has been raised for the cause.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is Corys Electrical's charity of choice, for which the company has annually fundraised since 2012.

With an Austin Mini, bought from Trade Me and painted blue with company and sponsorship branding across the car, general manager Steve Priest and his off-sider Marcel Van der Park began a new faze of fundraising, the Corys Charity Roadie, driving to every store in the country in two weeks collecting donations from each.

They left Kerikeri on September 15 and arrive in Invercargill on Friday.

In 2012 the company raised $22,000, last year $35,000 and this year the target was $55,000, Mr Priest said.

It looks like they will easily reach that figure, with $35,000 already collected and they haven't yet hit Wellington or the South Island stores.

"It's really good. The generosity of people and what they are willing to give is amazing."

As for the trip itself, it was incredible to take it on in an old Mini car, he said.

"We could have got a new car but what's special about a modern car? This is the classic New Zealand road trip in an old car."

Meanwhile, it wasn't all about collecting cash for the cause but educating men about the importance of getting themselves checked, Mr Priest said.

Just as many men died from prostate cancer as women from breast cancer every year, he said.

"This is a male dominated industry ... about 85 per cent of our staff are men and want to ensure they get themselves checked out medically."

Masterton Corys Electrical manager Steve McDonald said they were impressed with the community support they had been given to raise $2000.

"People have been very generous."

They have held an auction, an in-house weight loss challenge and run a coin game, to name a few activities.

"It's so important as we get older to get checked."

Meanwhile, Wairarapa Prostate Cancer Foundation secretary Susan Brader said they were grateful for the support.

"It's all very helpful. It all goes into research to help the men," she said.

The Masterton branch hosts a prostate cancer support every Tuesday at 1.30pm in the Lansdowne Church hall on Totara St.

Call co-ordinator Robert Brader on (06) 370-8699.

If you would like to make a $3 automatic donation text BLUE to 2447.