Franchising unites to support Pork Pie Run for charity

The Pork Pie Charity Run is a biennial fundraising road trip based loosely on the route taken by the Blondini Gang in the classic Kiwi movie Goodbye Pork Pie.

The first run took place in 2009 with 36 teams making the trip from Kaitaia to Invercargill over 5 days. The subsequent 6 runs have seen participant numbers increase to a 50 car maximum, with the run extended to 6 days on the road.

For 2023, the Charity Run will once again be supporting KidsCan, New Zealand’s leading charity dedicated to helping Kiwi kids experiencing hardship by providing food, jackets, shoes and health products to schools and early childhood centres across New Zealand.

And in 2023, long-time friends and franchise personalities Nathan Bonney and Matt Woodley, are teaming up under the name ‘The Bonodleys’ to hit the road with a Big Hairy Audacious Goal –­ to raise $100,000 for the cause. Nathan is a Director of franchise brokers Iridium Partners, while Matt is CEO of the Donovan Group, whose brands KiwiSpan and Coresteel operate franchisee/licensee networks nationally. 

Support Kiwi kids

The Bonodleys are very keen to engage with and solicit support from across the franchise sector. According to the 2021 Franchising New Zealand survey, 90 percent of franchise brands return profits to the community, and almost two-thirds contribute more than $20,000 a year.

‘The Pork Pie Charity Run is a fantastic cause and a fun event, and one that brands can get behind – they can engage and involve their franchisees throughout the country and feel great that they are directly contributing to creating better futures for Kiwi kids,’ says Matt. ‘100 percent of donations are going directly to KidsCan.’

And Nathan reports, ‘Initial support from the franchise community has been fantastic. The Franchise Association of New Zealand had the team (and Mini) along to its annual Christmas Party and we have already had donations, support and pledges from Franchise New Zealand media, Columbus Coffee. The Coffee Club, Crank’d Media, Ecomist and VIP Home Services.’

Brands which make donations of $1000 and greater have the opportunity to have their logos displayed on the Mini up to and over the event from Paihia to Invercargill. 

‘By donating to our team, you'll be helping KidsCan to provide essentials to kids across New Zealand,’ Nathan ends. ‘With these essentials, kids can participate in learning and have the opportunity for a better future. We would love your help to reach our fundraising goal, no amount is too big or small! To find out more, email nathan@iridium.net.nz or go straight to our fundraiser page at www.porkpiecharityrun.org.nz/page/TheBonodleys Thank you for your generosity!’

Get your name out there - the Mini will be taking well-known franchise brands from Kaitaia to Invercargill, all in the cause of KidsCan

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