Celebrating another successful Hadlow to Harbour are (from left) Wayne Rennie (Timaru Stroke Club), Clare Bruce (Life Education Trust), Shannon Hansen and Karla Guerin (Heart Foundation South Canterbury), Bronwyn Simons (Hospice South Canterbury), and Joey Berry (Hilton Haulage). PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Rotary Club of Timaru North recently marked the end of another successful year with a presentation from Hilton Haulage and the four local beneficiary organisations of the Hadlow to Harbour Fun Run — an event now more than 50 years strong.

Hilton Haulage general manager Scott McAuley and operations manager Joey Berry shared with Rotary members the story of how this Timaru family business grew from humble beginnings.

Founded in 1972 with a single Austin truck carting hay across the Canterbury Plains, Hilton Haulage now employs more than 500 staff and operates a nationwide fleet and network over 17 locations.

Headquartered in Washdyke, the company is now 50% owned by Ngāi Tahu and Mr McAuley outlined how the partnership strengthened the company’s commitment to intergenerational wellbeing — supporting initiatives in education, housing, environmental sustainability and health.

The company contributes more than $100,000 each year to charities, schools and sports clubs across New Zealand, with a strong focus on youth development and grassroots community programmes.

Mr McAuley said Hilton Haulage was proud to be the new prime sponsor of the annual fun run — a fitting connection, as the company began its operations in Hadlow around the same time the fun run was first held more than five decades ago.

The event continues to embody "people helping people", with volunteers from Hospice South Canterbury, Heart Foundation South Canterbury, Life Education Trust and the Timaru Stroke Club providing marshals and refreshment station support on the day of the fun run.

Rotary then returns the proceeds from participant entry fees directly to these groups, recognising the vital role they play in making the event safe, welcoming and enjoyable for all.

Outgoing Rotary Club president Robbie Jackson said the club was delighted to donate more than $8000 back to the supporting organisations this year.

Rotary was thrilled with the more than 800 participants.

Representatives from each group spoke about how the contribution assisted them in delivering essential services to the Timaru community.

Mr Jackson said over the past year, the Rotary Club of Timaru North had invested more than $30,000 from its various activities back into local initiatives.

He encouraged new members to join, helping Rotary continue its long tradition of community service well into the future. — Allied Media