Delta's Three Blind Mice generate over $66K for Women's Refuge

New Zealand’s leading IT executives were out in force last week covering the Tongariro Alpine Crossing an impressive four consecutive times in 29 hours and, in the process, raising $66,000 for Kia Timata Ano (KTA) Trust – an independent women’s refuge in the Rodney District. 

The Delta Mad Mouse Challenge took place on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th November to coincide with White Ribbon Day, the international day where men wear a white ribbon to condemn violence towards women. 

“I’m immensely proud of the team for not only completing the challenge but for raising such a substantial amount to support the women and families of the refuge,” says Glenda Godfrey, Account Manager for the Tango Group and KTA Trustee. 

“Covering over 77km of the country’s harshest and mountainous terrain throughout the day and night and climbing more than 4,000m really pushes your body to the limit, however it is nothing compared to what the brave women of the refuge have endured in their own homes. It was a privilege to take part and support them.” 

The KTA Trust carries out important work in the community, providing support and a safe environment for women and children affected by domestic violence. 

The team was led by “Delta’s Three Blind Mice” Glenda Godrey, Pat O’Connell, CIO of Rank Group and Jonathan Iles, CIO of Carter Holt Harvey.  They were joined by 49 “Mouseketeers” from companies such as Delta Software, Oxygen, Gen-I, Brother and Equico, each of whom took on as many crossings as they were able. 

“It was fantastic to see the industry get in behind the initiative.  Pat and Johnathan have spent much of this year off shore and had little time to train however they really gave it their all.  It was a difficult challenge but the industry as a whole was out in force and, despite a few losing toenails, busting their knees and getting blisters, they were all in good spirits after completing the gruelling challenge for such a worthwhile cause.” 

The fundraiser followed on from the successful 2009 Four Peaks Challenge which saw the team conquer the four peaks in the North Island in under 36 hours, raising over $22K in the process for Women’s Refuge. 

Delta’s Three Blind Mice are already considering what their next challenge will be.  Visit www.threeblindmice.co.nz to follow the team and their progress.