HIGHLIGHTS
- Pork Pie Charity Run to take place once again from the 4th – 9th of April 2025
- Biennial charity drive aims to raise $500,000 to help KidsCan support an additional 1,500 kids
- 100 people and 50 teams have registered, raising more than $374,000 so far
- MINI supports with latest-generation MINI Cooper and sponsored lunch
Passionate owners and their classic Mini vehicles will take to the road for the upcoming “Pork Pie Charity Run” from Thursday, April 4th to Wednesday April 9th for an unforgettable journey across the North and South Island. The biennial charity drive aims to raise $500,000 this year to help KidsCan support an additional 1,500 kids in need.
For over two decades, KidsCan has been making a difference, ensuring Kiwi kids affected by poverty have the essentials such as food, clothes and health products at schools and early childhood centres across New Zealand. With an incredible 5 million food items, 50,000 jackets and 44,000 pairs of shoes and gumboots donated in 2024 alone, support has been extended to nearly 1100 schools and early childhood centres, giving kids a better start in life.
Pork Pie Charity Run takes inspiration from the popular Kiwi film, “Goodbye Pork Pie” where the Blondini Gang set out on a journey across New Zealand in a yellow Mini. A similar route will be taken by the participants of the charity run: starting in Paihia, then making their way through National Park, Wellington, Cromwell and ending the 2,300km escapade in Invercargill.
This year’s event is already off to a flying start with 50 teams registered and an incredible $374,714 raised in donations before the engines even start. Around 40 per cent of attendees will be participating in the event for the first time, along with several teams that have participated in at least five drive runs, and at least one team having participated in eight runs – every drive run since the event’s conception in 2009.
“The Pork Pie drive is about celebrating the movie, bringing together a community of MINI enthusiasts, and having fun while making a difference. Raising funds for a charity was incidental at the inception of this event, but it has become a key motivator for all participants,” said the Pork Pie Run spokesperson.
“We are all Mini nuts in one way or another and being able to gather together to appreciate these vehicles – both vintage and new – while raising money for charity is what we are all about.”
Pork Pie Charity Run 2025 will showcase a 40-60 ratio of modern to classic vehicles and offers the perfect occasion for the special Minis to make an appearance. Notably, the eye-catching MiniMack, PPIE and TOYKAR will be along for the North to South Island journey.
For the ninth time, MINI New Zealand will rally behind this worthy cause bringing along a fleet of new MINI vehicles along for the adventure including a MINI Cooper 3-door for KidsCan, as well as a sponsored lunch on day two.
Alex Brockhoff, General Manager of MINI New Zealand, couldn’t be more excited: “MINI is a brand that sparks emotions – whether you own one or simply see one on the street, it brings a smile. It’s all about BIG LOVE – two small words with big power to inspire a world of positive action. The Pork Pie Charity Run is perfect embodiment of this spirit – bringing people together, celebrating a common passion, and driving change for a good cause. We’re honoured to support this charity event, and I can’t wait to hit the road and be part of the journey this year.”
To read more about the Pork Pie Charity Run, visit the link https://porkpiecharityrun.org.nz
DriveLife will be driving a MINI Countryman for the entire event, talking to participants along the way and joining in the activities.
