Charities thrilled with Highlands Vulcan support

Halberg Trust, Cure Kids among those to feel the Vulcan love

A series of charities have all reaped benefits from the recent unveiling of Tony Quinn's new 4.2-million dollar Aston Martin Vulcan, taking place on the picturesque circuit's third anniversary.

Five groups in total — Cure Kids, the Halberg Trust, Relay for Life, CatWalk Trust, and a fundraiser for a local family who recently lost their father in a helicopter accident — were benefactors of the well-publicized debut for the 'Highlands Vulcan'.

Catriona Williams, the Founder and Director of CatWalk Trust — a Trust dedicated to the pursuit of spinal-cord injury research — was among the many smiling at the Cromwell launch, as CatWalk were one of three groups to receive a Vulcan hot-lap session from the Highlands team.

“We’re over the moon with the offer from Tony Quinn and Highlands Motorsport Park — this is four million more reasons to get people out of chairs and back on their feet,” she said.

“If anything, we’re more determined than ever to find a cure than we were in 2005.  We want people walking again, not facing life in a wheelchair.”

The Highlands team, posed with the V12 Vulcan. Photo / Highlands Motorsport Park

Frances Benge of Cure Kids was also delighted, as her charity received a $5,000 donation, as well as a further $1,000 donation from each purchased ticket.

“We’ve had a long association with Highlands’ Josie Spillane and we're thrilled with Highlands' continued support of Cure Kids,” said Benge.

“In May we are bringing 12 children with serious health conditions and illnesses to Queenstown as part of our annual Ticket To Hope event, and Highlands are generously providing an exciting day of activities.”

Helping orchestrate the event was Highlands Motorsport Park Chief Operating Officer Josie Spillane.

“The Quinn’s and the Highlands team feel incredibly honoured to spread the message of these amazing organisations and to be helping in some way to achieve their objectives. It is extremely rewarding to be able to provide a platform where we can use our ‘powers’ for good,” she said. 

“We’ve seen first-hand what a powerful message it is to send to people who are fighting a battle, that they are not alone in their battle, and that complete strangers are willing to do what they can to make a difference.”