Ussher's winning Kayak in charity auction

Multisport champion and five time Coast to Coast winner, Richard Ussher, is putting his favourite kayak up for auction to raise money for the Foundation for Youth Development (FYD).

Listed on Trade Me today with a $1 reserve, the kayak holds the fastest kayak time in four of Ussher’s Coast to Coast races, has helped him claim three Coast to Coast victories, and has been Richard’s main race boat since 2008.

The auction prize package also includes a once in a lifetime kayaking experience with Richard along with adventurer and FYD co-founder Graeme Dingle, a Subcard® loaded with $100 and lunch at the winner’s local Subway® restaurant with Ussher and Dingle.

“This kayak holds a lot of great memories and I couldn’t be happier that FYD will be benefiting from the auction,” says Ussher.  “It’s awesome to be giving to a charity that does such an incredible job supporting Kiwi kids reach their full potential.  These might just be future Coast to Coast winners! ”

Subway® Restaurants, sponsors of Richard Ussher since 2008 and proud supporters of FYD, is hoping the auction will raise a generous amount for FYD and their charitable work.

“Richard is one of New Zealand’s most consistent top-performing athletes and we know there’ll be a fair amount of interest in his winning kayak,” says Senior Marketing Manager Subway® New Zealand, Rob Saunders. “At Subway® we believe it is important to give back to the community and to support young New Zealanders.

“We’re hoping this auction will gather plenty of interest across the country and raise a significant amount for FYD to help them continue the great work they’re doing with young Kiwis.”

FYD co-founder, Graeme Dingle is thrilled to be involved with the auction prize and that FYD will be the lucky recipient of the proceeds from the auction.

“We are very grateful to Richard and Subway® for presenting us with such a great opportunity to raise funds for FYD,” says Dingle. “I’m personally looking forward to being a part of this; it’s a once in a lifetime experience for the winner – and for me too!”

The money from the Trade Me auction will go towards developing FYD’s Project K programme. Project K uses the great outdoors to help year 10 and 11 students develop self-confidence and learn essential life skills while promoting good health and a positive attitude.

FYD is a child and youth charity that delivers its proven programmes to nearly 18,000 young Kiwis each year. The programmes use elements of the great outdoors, inspirational classroom leaders and world-class mentors to help kids, from age 5 to 18, keep on track, develop confidence and self-belief, set goals for the future, and contribute positively to society.

What: Richard Ussher Coast to Coast Kayak Auction (supporting FYD)
When: 28 May – 6 June 2013
Where: Listed on Trade Me