A Harley-Davidson charity ride travelled the breadth and depths of New Zealand to raise an estimated $10,000 for the men’s health charity, Movember.
Travelling 1,600 kilometres from Auckland to Invercargill, the eight-day ride came to a spectacular finish roaring into the Burt Munro Festival. Crowds welcomed the group of Harley-Davidson riders as they rumbled through the streets of Invercargill to the festival.
Harley-Davidson ambassadors Jay Reeve, Josh Kronfeld and Olympic track cyclist Eddie Dawkins partnered with Movember to host five free Men’s Health evenings along the way at Harley-Davidson dealerships including Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin before arriving in Invercargill.
The ‘Mo-tastic’ events hosted by the Harley-Davidson ambassadors at the dealers saw over 200 men visit the health station to have their vital health checks that included BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol checks on the spot and 70 men visited Bundy the Barber for their mo-maintenance needs including wet shaves and haircuts.
The mutual appreciation of motorcycles and moustaches provided an opportunity for conversation starters, and help facilitate the larger and more important discussions on men’s health.
Movember spokesperson, Robert Dunne commented, “We are incredibly thankful to have Harley-Davidson as a key partner. The funds raised will help us fund local programmes helping kiwi men. The focus of the funds raised by Harley-Davidson from the 2016 Movember campaign will be on creating a comprehensive prostate cancer registry here in NZ that will assist in treatment decisions as well as continuing to give men the tools to overcome male mental health issues. Every dollar raised takes us one step closer to delivering innovative, breakthrough programs that allow men to live happier, healthier and longer lives.”
Dunne continued, “Harley-Davidson has donated a brand new Roaster for one very lucky Mo Bro or Mo Sista to win. The winner will be drawn on December 9th at 4pm so there is still time to get involved and be in with a chance of winning.”
Jay Reeve rode a Harley-Davidson Street 500 all the way from Auckland to Invercargill, taking in some of the breathtaking routes through New Zealand, including Lake Taupo, the stunning west coast road to Greymouth and the Moeraki Boulders on-route to Dunedin, and then into Invercargill.
Jay Reeve commented, “It was incredible to see the support on the road, riders joining us for a leg or two of the journey. Riding is a great way to connect and talk about men’s health.”
Reeve continued, “The evenings had a huge impact on quite a few individuals. These type of events are critical in raising awareness for key men’s health issues in NZ and bringing people together.”
The $10,000 raised for the Movember Foundation will be donated to the 40 projects locally in NZ to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical health.
Anyone who raises over $10 towards individuals’ fundraising page will automatically go into a prize draw with the chance to win a Harley-Davidson Roadster 2016. To find out more go to https://nz.movember.com/prizes/view/id/572
