The journey begins here.....

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Sophie is proud to welcome you to our Charity Fundraising Event!

Sophie together with the "Kids for Cambodia Charitable Trust" are thrilled to be able to announce our charity fundraising evening, which will be taking place on July 23, 2010 at the Hotel Ashburton, Racecourse Road, Ashburton.

The evening will feature entertainment from the iconic Frankie Stevens,




and an inspirational talk from mountaineering legend - Mark Inglis.

This evening is the result of a desire to raise money for our recently formed charity "Kids for Cambodia Charitable Trust", to provide for the advancement of education in Cambodia, and to benefit Cambodian communities by the promotion and provision of health care.

A charity auction will be held featuring 13 fabulous items (a full list of auction items are listed on the auction page on the left of this blog, and are also described in individual posts below) and includes a Volkswagen 2010 Polo car which recently was awarded the "Car of the World 2010" art, travel, a make-over package, and rare sporting and musical memorabilia including a signed and box framed Roger Federer tennis racquet as used by him, and a piece of musical history in the form of a signed, box framed fender guitar by the legendary Sir Paul McCartney from the biggest selling band of all-time "The Beatles".

Two fabulous spot prizes are up for grabs, each offering a unique experience you won't want to miss.

A complimentary drink and nibbles will be served upon arrival, with bar facilities available should you wish to purchase further refreshments during the course of the evening.

Get together a group of friends, family, work colleagues and have a fabulous night out while supporting a fantastic cause.

Tickets are priced at $50.00 for a single, or $400.00 for a table of 8 and can be secured by emailing Sarah at green33@xtra.co.nz or by phoning 021 784 588.

If your coming from out of town, make a real night of it, and phone Ashburton Hotel on (03) 307 8887, mention you are coming for the fundraising event and you will receive a specially discounted rate. Family units are also available.

Mountaineering Legend - Mark Inglis




Mark is a man who will need no introduction, he is a mountaineer, researcher, winemaker and motivational speaker - and we are thrilled to welcome him to our fundraising event on July 23, 2010 here in Ashburton.

Mark was born in Geraldine in 1959. He has had various jobs as a Search and Rescue Mountaineer (Aoraki/Mt Cook), a Research Scientist (Christchurch Hospital), a Winemaker with Montana Wines, a Businessman, Motivational speaker, and Adventurer. He lives with his wife Anne and three children in Hanmer Springs.

Inglis began work as a professional mountaineer in 1979 as a search and rescue mountaineer for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. In November 1982, Inglis and climbing partner Philip Doole were stuck in an ice cave on Aoraki/Mount Cook for thirteen days due to an intense blizzard. The rescue of the two climbers was a major media event in New Zealand. Both men's legs became badly frost bitten while awaiting rescue. Following Inglis' rescue, both his legs were amputated below the knee.

He returned to Mt. Cook in 2002 and reached the summit successfully on January 7 of that year, after a previous attempt was thwarted by problems with his leg stumps. The summit assault in January 2002 was documented by the film No Mean Feat: The Mark Inglis Story.

He holds a degree in Human Biochemistry from Lincoln University, New Zealand, and has conducted research in Leukemia.

He is a passionate and accomplished cyclist,which saw him win a silver medal in the 1km time trial event at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

In addition to being a goodwill ambassador for the Everest Rescue Trust, Inglis has created a New Zealand based charitable trust Limbs4All. He has also created a range of sports drinks and energy gels named PeakFuel.

In 2003, Inglis received the New Zealand Order of Merit as an Officer in recognition of his services to disabled people. On September 27, 2004, he successfully climbed Cho Oyu with three others, becoming only the second double amputee to summit a mountain greater than 8,000 metres (26,000 ft) in height.

On May 15, 2006, after forty days of climbing, Inglis became the first ever double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world - achieving his childhood dream. Inglis's Everest expedition was filmed for the Discovery Channel series Everest: Beyond the Limit.

TVNZ's 'This Is Your Life' on June 5, 2007 honoured Inglis with the now infamous red book.

Charity Auction Items

Below we have posted some of our incredible auction items - and there are more to come - 13 in total! so keep checking back and they will all be listed....but to check on the full list click on the "auction items" on the left of this blog to see the full list

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Charity Auction Item - Panasonic 42" Viera Television




Thanks to the generosity of Alister Lilley and the team at Smith & Church Appliance Extreme and Panasonic we have for auction a 42" Panasonic Viera Television - staying in has never looked so good!

Get the widescreen experience with Viera and you will literally see more thanks to higher definition, more screen area, deeper blacks and the smoothest action yet. And with a wider viewing range than ever you'll see all that action from every angle.

Viera Plasma TV's deliver a wider range of blacks giving you greater depth in moving images and a deeper feeling for on screen action. They deliver incredibly crisp, smooth and fast moving pictures - rendering the smallest detail clearly no matter how lively the scene.

Smith & Church Appliance Extreme is a locally owned and operated Appliance Retailer specialising in all major brands of home appliances. Their new Extreme Super Store offers a huge selection featuring the latest LED panel TV's and IT computer products to complete home airconditioning systems and quality whiteware, all in a spacious and comfortable surrounding. With over 40 years local experience their knowledgeable sales team can provide you with the best advice and price on your next home appliance or technology product. Open 7 days with easy parking, see the team from Smith & Church for the best deal on your next appliance purchase.




You will find Smith & Church Appliance Extreme on Moore Street (in the Mitre 10 Carpark), Ashburton. Phone (03) 308 9019

Charity Auction Item - Golf Weekend at the Prestigious Clearwater Resort.




Set within 465 acres, and only a 15 minute drive to the very centre of Christchurch is New Zealand's premier lifestyle resort - Clearwater Resort.

The 18-hole championship golf course - home of the New Zealand PGA Championship, was designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand's golfing legend Sir Bob Charles.

Playable year round, the course meanders around a succession of spring-fed lakes and trout filled streams with uninterrupted views of the spectacular Southern Alps.

Your package includes One nights accommodation for two staying in supreme comfort in the Hotel's luxurious Lakefront Suite, and breakfast for two in "The Lakes Restaurant".

Your package also includes a game of golf for four including buggies, so what a great chance to have your golfing friends join you for a round of golf to finish your weekend in style.

Clearwater Resort also offers activities such as a driving range, practice putting greens, tennis courts, extensive walking trails and on-site fly fishing - something for everyone!

The perfect auction item for a golfing weekend getaway!

Charity Auction Item - Stunning Helicopter Flight over the scenic West Coast!





Three people can enjoy the experience of a lifetime by helicopter, seeing the stunning views of the Southern Alps, the rugged coastline of the West Coast and awe-inspiring Glaciers.

See places that are only accessible via air, and the true beauty of a helicopter flight is it lets you get so close to the incredibly beautiful and unspoilt scenery that is our own West Coast - the towering mountains, clean clear rivers and lakes, vast forests, diverse wetlands, glaciers and wild coastline - the West Coast has it all and where better to view it all than from the air -it truly is an experience of a lifetime and one that won't be forgotten!

In conjunction with your pilot, plan your itinery, stopping along the way where you choose, maybe on a breathtaking mountain top, a beautiful beach, a wonderful resturant perhaps, the time is yours!

This incredible package is for two hours flying time - and believe me a lot of distance can be covered in that time! What a great package to buy for yourself, a birthday, anniversary gift, or the ultimate boys or girls day out! - whatever you decide it will be a day to remember!

Once again thank you to the very generous support shown to our evening by Duncan Storrier

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Charity Auction Item - Luxury Holiday in Fiji



Here is your opportunity to bid on an incredible "holiday of a lifetime!"

Fiji is the essence of a tropical island paradise. White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, pristine oceans and waterways and an array of things to do and see.

Fiji will appeal to the most discerning traveller. Your entire family or a group of friends can stay in your own private and luxurious Fiji Island home.

You will stay for 7 nights for up to six people whilst being attended to by your very own maid/housekeeper for the duration of your stay!

This is an absolute waterfront home in the very exclusive gated community "Riverside Garden's" on idyllic Denarau Island.

Being just a quick 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport, your island getaway can start immediately.

Denarau is home to only the finest luxury homes and 5 star resorts (Hilton, Sofitel, Westin, Sheraton and Raddisson), so you are guaranteed exclusivity.

Within a 5 minute drive on your private golf buggy is Port Denarau, the gateway for boat trips to many incredible and un-touched Islands. The Port is also home to Fiji's finest retail and dining experiences. You can even play a round of golf on Denarau's Golf Club's Par 72 Championship Course.

Your full brick home consists of 3 separate bedrooms, with 3 bathrooms and a fully equipped Chef's kitchen (including a built in Espresso machine!). You have a private pool, an exclusive-use Jetty for fishing or boat adventures, an expansive garden and outdoor decks, with which to enjoy the year-round sunshine.

You have an exclusive list of inclusions - including fishing rods, canoes, mountain bikes, Golf clubs, the Golf Buggy and much more!

NB: Please be aware that this package DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARES - so therefore these are an additional cost to the purchaser.

Do not miss your chance to bid for this fantastic experience, whilst helping a great cause!