Southern Scooter Challenge

Southland’s high country was abuzz with activity on Saturday 14 September, with more than 100 riders taking part in the region’s Southern Scooter Challenge, with more than $100,000 being raised through The PlaceMakers Foundation in support of local charities Prostate Cancer Southland and Hospice Southland.

The endurance ride covers 220 km of picturesque South Island seaside and mountains, from Stirling Point in Bluff to the finish point in Queenstown.  Riders and their scooters are decked out in blue in support of Blue September, Prostate Cancer Foundation’s annual awareness and fundraising month.

Event organiser and PlaceMakers Invercargill employee Tash Clay, says PlaceMakers is hugely proud to be raising funds and awareness for two wonderful local charities, helping them continue to grow their great work.

“The Challenge is all about raising awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of getting tested, as well as fundraising for survivors, families of those with cancer and those committed to making a difference. We are really proud of the amount raised and we can’t wait for the next event,” she says.

PlaceMakers has raised more than $1.9 million in the past eight years in support of Blue September.  From a helping hand for local groups to bringing major projects to fruition through the Working Bee programme, the goal of the PlaceMakers Foundation, which was launched in April 2019, is to make a change and together build a better New Zealand.