One Man - One Bike - One Box : On A Mission

Rick Stacey is on a mission to ride the length of New Zealand on a bicycle to raise awareness and money for the disaster relief charity ‘Shelterbox’, which is actively supported by Rotary Clubs throughout N.Z and the U.K. His inspiration to make a difference to others follows his recent recovery from prostate cancer.

The 65 year old father of five is regarded as a ‘swallow’, dividing his time between Kerikeri, New Zealand and Cornwall in the UK; indulging his love of fishing, tramping, kayaking and now cycling! 

It has long been a British tradition to cycle or walk from one end of the country to the other. The classic ‘Lands End to John O’Groats’ challenge is around 1,400 kilometres. With his new found love of the New Zealand outdoor lifestyle, Rick has decided to cycle from Bluff in the South Island, to Cape Reinga in the Far North, a distance of around 2,000 kilometres. The former fisherman and farmer will tow one of the iconic green Shelterboxes behind his bike and is establishing Rotary contacts to act as a practical support network along the route. They will help with accommodation and publicity.  Rick will commence his ride in November 2010.

Rick's ride for ShelterBox will commence on 1st November 2010 in Bluff at the southern end of the South Island of New Zealand.  He will arrive in Picton around the 17th November 2010.  the next section of the journey departs from Wellington on 21st November and arrives in Cape Reinga on december 12th.

Donations can be made at any time on the following websites:

www.justgiving.com/Rick-Stacey-nzride2010

(non NZ residents)

www.bluff2cape.org.nz

www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/Ricks-ride2010

(NZ residents)

Your support for the ShelterBox organisation will help provide relief for people who are displaced from their homes by war and natural disasters.

ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity.  It was founded ten years ago in Helston, Cornwall by Tom Henderson.  ShelterBox instantly responds to natural and manmade disasters by providing emergency shelter and other life saving equipment to those who have lost hteir homes.

They rely entirely on public donations and with thanks to a large team of volunteers, 92% of every donation goes directly on aid.

What is a ShelterBox?

A ShelterBox is a large waterproof plastic box which contains life saving equipment to help a family of up to 10 people survive while they are displaced or homeless.  The contents are tailored depending on the nature and location of the disaster.

Each box typically contains a large tent, blankets/ground sheets, mosquito nets, water purification tablets, a basic tool kit (hammer, axe, saw, pliers etc.), cooking utensils/containers and a multi-fuel stove.