At Aotea Electric Canterbury, giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’ve proudly supported The Long Run every year, standing alongside the Crusaders and thousands of passionate runners to raise vital funds for the Child Cancer Foundation. This year, the event reached an incredible milestone –$233,317 raised – which will be donated at the Crusaders’ opening home game on February 14, 2025.
Why This Cause Matters
Every week in Aotearoa, three families receive the devastating news that their child has cancer. Life is turned upside down overnight, with parents often needing to give up work to care for their sick child, adding financial stress to an already heartbreaking situation. Tragically, one in five children diagnosed will not survive.
The funds raised through The Long Run go directly to the Child Cancer Foundation, ensuring families receive the essential support they need. Every family is paired with a Family Support Coordinator, who provides guidance, emotional support, and practical help tailored to their unique journey. These vital services wouldn’t be possible without generous Kiwis who run, donate, and contribute to events like The Long Run.
Taking The Long Run Nationwide
At Aotea Electric Canterbury, we wanted to take this challenge even further and give people across New Zealand the chance to participate. That’s why we launched the Aotea Virtual Challenge, allowing runners from all over the country (and even the world) to take part remotely.
Our goal was simple: more runners, more awareness, and more funds for the Child Cancer Foundation. Whether running in their own towns, on the beach, or on a treadmill, participants could log their kilometres and contribute to the cause, proving that distance is no barrier to making a difference.
Why We Get Involved Every Year
For us, The Long Run isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about teamwork, community, and making a real impact. Events like this bring people together in a way that reminds us all of what really matters. As a company, it’s a chance for us to support something bigger than ourselves, build stronger connections within our team, and contribute to a cause that changes lives. Our team ran 1375 laps in total and we couldn’t have done without the support we had from our suppliers and our mums, dads, kids and grandparents who came down to cheer us on and donate.
Aotea Electric Canterbury has been proud to be part of this journey from the very beginning, and we’ll continue to show up, run, and give back for years to come.
Join Us in 2026 – yes we’re already planning the next one!
With another successful event behind us, we’re already looking forward to next year! If you missed out this time, why not get involved in 2025? Whether in-person at Rugby Park or remotely through the Aotea Virtual Challenge, every step counts.
A massive thank you to everyone who ran, donated, or supported this incredible cause. Together, we’ve helped make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing cancer.
