A small Whanganui motorcycle club has raised big for a good cause.
West Coast Riders had just 12 members when it decided to run a raffle for the Philips Search and Rescue Trust. One might have expected a few hundred dollars. They raised $1700.
"We sold tickets from Auckland to Wellington and between," club member Shane Jordan said.
Not bad for their first charity fundraising event. Planning for a second fundraiser is now underway.
Mr Jordan said they handed over the proceeds to the trust and praised it for doing a marvellous job with its rescue helicopter service.
"The chances of bikers needing them are unfortunately higher than for motorists so we thought they would be an appropriate charity to support," Mr Jordan said. "But it's for everyone as well, not just bikers."
The raffle was drawn on January 31. The winners were: First prize: Niall Quinn (Waverley); second prize: Keiran Kelly (Whanganui); third prize: Shannon Cross (Wellington).
The first prize was an Air New Zealand mystery break, while second a third prizes were cash of $300 and $100 respectively.
Club member Kellie Reed said the club began in 2011 and was a social motorcycle club with clubrooms in Hardy St with an emphasis on promoting safe riding.
Membership has risen to 14 and new members were always welcome, she said.
The club is arranging its annual rally to be held at Languard's Bluff, Whanganui on May 6.
Last year more than 160 bikes and up to 400 people attended the overnight event which features bands, meals and accommodation.