From Auckland to Bluff: A Road Trip for Charity Turns Heads and Opens Hearts

• The Bangers to Bluff road trip saw 16 cars and 38 participants travel from Auckland to Bluff, raising over $51,450 for charity.
• The Pink Flamingos, an all-female team, highlighted the event with their spirited participation and distinctive pink-themed attire.
• Numerous challenges and a non-traditional route provided a unique and enjoyable experience for all involved, enhancing local interactions and community involvement.

A jubilant atmosphere prevailed as the Bangers to Bluff road trip concluded at Stirling Point, marking the end of a memorable 12-day journey from Auckland to Bluff. This annual event, organized by the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club, featured 16 cars, each creatively decorated, navigating through less-traveled roads to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand.

Among the participants, the Pink Flamingos stood out. This all-female team, consisting of Sue, Linda, and Ginni, dressed in vibrant pink and drove their 2001 Toyota Camry, affectionately named the Flying Flamingo, throughout the journey.

Their spirited presence and engaging costumes drew attention and sparked conversations about their cause.

The road trip not only offered a platform for fundraising but also fostered camaraderie among participants. Club president Ian Thompson noted that the limited number of cars allowed participants to form close bonds.

The journey was punctuated with daily challenges and unexpected events, such as vehicle breakdowns, which added a humorous twist to the adventure.

By Saturday afternoon, the event had raised significant funds through a Give-a-little page and car auctions.

Highlights included the sale of a 1998 BMW 3-series and a 2005 Honda Accord station wagon. The total raised significantly contributed to the over $500,000 accumulated by this event over the years, supporting various charitable causes.

The road trip demonstrated the impact of creativity and community involvement in fundraising, leaving a lasting impression on the communities visited and underscoring the belief that fun and philanthropy go hand in hand.
You can still donate here https://bit.ly/447Z8iA