Lions club rows the extra mile for charity

The Temuka District Lions Club has held a fundraiser to support Rowing for Life Aotearoa New Zealand.

Spokeswoman Dawn Scott said their rowathon was held at Central Fitness Gym in Temuka.

Mrs Scott said gym owner Shane Johnston had "kindly" given them the space to raise money.

Using Mr Johnston’s rowing machines, they clocked up as many kilometres as they could, raising funds for The Lions Club Cancer Trust, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, Child Cancer Foundation, and Starship Foundation.

"With Shane’s help and ‘you can do it’ attitude we managed a grand total of 100km.

"Our members got sponsorship as we attempted to take on the challenge of rowing 50km which is how far the ‘real’ rowers were aiming at per day."

The Rowing for Life fundraiser brings rowers from all across New Zealand to join Ian Hamilton as he travels up the entire east coast of New Zealand, raising funds for the Lions Cancer Trust, the Child Cancer Foundation, Starship Foundation and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand.

Mrs Scott said for their indoor rowathon, some members rowed while others were there in support and encouragement.

She felt it would have been impossible for them without his input, and of some of the gym’s members added to the final total of kilometres rowed.

She made special mention of Carol Monk "who got sponsorship as well as rowing a lot of kilometres".

"Huge thanks to Shane and his team and to our members who contributed to this worthy cause."