That famous line from the movie is the only thing in doubt when it comes to the Pork Pie Charity run associated with the classic 1981 movie.
From last week Friday through to Wednesday, passionate Mini owners from around New Zealand embarked on the highly anticipated two-yearly Pork Pie Charity Run.
Over the course of six days, 50 teams of Mini enthusiasts took to the roads, travelling 2400km across the North and South Islands to raise vital funds for KidsCan, a charity dedicated to supporting children affected by poverty.
The Pork Pie Charity Run, inspired by the iconic 1981 New Zealand film Goodbye Pork Pie, has become a beloved tradition since its first run in 2009.
What started as a tribute to the movie’s Blondini Gang, who drove the length of New Zealand in a yellow Mini, has now grown into a major fundraising event.
Over the years, the number of run participants has increased and the event is now limited to 50 teams, due to accommodation and logistical challenges.
Entries often sell out within minutes.
Historically, the Pork Pie Charity Run has raised funds for a variety of causes, including Starship Hospital, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand and KidsCan.
To date, nearly $2million has been raised — a record $416,000 generated in 2023 alone.
This year, the goal is to raise $500,000 to support an additional 1500 children in need.
The run began in Paihia on Friday, teams wending their way through Auckland, National Park, Wellington, Kaikōura, Hokitika, Cromwell and Dunedin before finishing in Invercargill on Wednesday.
Participants shared their love for their classic Minis while contributing to the cause.
Money raised will directly benefit children supported by KidsCan, providing essential items such as breakfast, snacks, lunch, jackets, shoes and health products.
In 2024, KidsCan distributed over 5million food items, 50,000 jackets and 44,000 pairs of shoes and gumboots to nearly 1100 schools and centres across New Zealand.
As the run passed through Cromwell on Tuesday and headed towards Dunedin and Invercargill, the enthusiasm of participants and supporters remained high.
Organisers are optimistic that this year’s effort will surpass previous fundraising achievements, every dollar supporting children struggling with poverty.
The cars drew a lot of attention as they parked for the night.
To contribute to the cause, donations can be made via the event’s Givealittle page.
The hope is to make an even greater impact for New Zealand’s most vulnerable children.
— APL
