RD1 sold 560 of the Swazi® manufactured bush shirts tee shirts through their stores, in less than a month; with the two organisations jointly raising over $13,000 for BCCRT funded research into the prevention of breast cancer in New Zealand.
RD1 managing director Jason MInkhorst says the fundraising idea originated in heartland New Zealand. "A group of staff at RD1 Pahiatua came up with the idea and approached Swazi CEO Davey Hughes at a local field day. Davey saw the potential in their idea and got on board immediately, and the concept grew from there."
Minkhorst says RD1 chose the BCCRT because of their brilliant work in funding research into breast cancer by world class researchers.
"The BCCRT was an obvious choice for a fundraising effort because breast cancer affects us all - our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends. Not many people are unaffected as New Zealand has the fourth highest rate of breast cancer in the world making research into breast cancer prevention and cure vital."
BCCRT marketing manager Phillipa Green, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the trust, says news of the RD1 and Swazi effort is especially welcome since the recent global recession has affected funding opportunities for the trust.
"Fund raising has become more difficult in the current environment and to receive a call saying RD1 and Swazi have raised over $13,000 on their own volition, was amazing."
