For Jeff Hall, the more dirty cars the better.
The Rotorua Airport firefighter will have the scrubbing brushes and hose ready on Thursday washing cars as part of his fundraising efforts ahead of his fourth Sky Tower Stair Challenge. The popular annual Sky Tower event is a fundraiser for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
Between 9am and 1pm he’ll be washing cars on site at Rotorua Airport, asking for a donation in return. Alongside him will be fellow firefighter from Gisborne, Quentin Hamilton, and Mike Murray from Thrifty Car Rentals at Rotorua Airport, which is supporting the fundraising efforts.
The stair challenge – and the fundraising ahead of it – has become a passion for Mr Hall. He’s raised about $12,000 during his previously three attempts, and hopes to see that figure creep up to $16,000 after this year’s event.
Mr Hall really enjoys the fundraising aspect of the event.
“People are just so generous. On Christmas Eve I was fundraising outside Countdown and raised $1,800. So many people know of someone who has been affected by Leukaemia or another type of blood cancer.”
Mr Hall isn’t exempt from that – losing his sister to cancer.
“It’s hard not to get emotional when you’re out fundraising and people tell you their stories. It’s really special.”
Last year Mr Hall achieved his goal of making it up the 51 flights of stairs – 1,103 stairs all up – in 15 minutes or less, coming in with five seconds to spare.
It means this year he’ll be training even harder to get to the top that bit quicker.
“It’s such a great event and a good cause.”
Rotorua Airport chief executive Mark Gibb is encouraging people to take advantage of the fundraiser – one which the airport is proud to support.
“It’s great to see our people out there making a difference in our community.”
About the car wash:
When: Thursday 14 February, 9am – 1pm
Where: Rotorua Airport
Cost: Donation, available to anyone
