10 Mar 2012
Lismore, Australia

Fund Raising Gone to the Dogs

Spantech is sponsoring two teams in the 2012 Kokoda Challenge.

The teams received a huge boost to their fundraising efforts this weekend with approximately $4.500 being raised at the Tatham Dog Trials.

The two day event attracted around 240 dogs and owners competing for thousands in prize money.

View the NBN News story about the trials broadcast 10 March 2012.

Thanks to the generous support of the Tatham Dog Trial organisers Robert and Narelle Johnston. Thanks also to Dan and Elissa Rapmund and all the volunteers for all their hard work and hospitality.

Thanks to the NSW Working Dog Association, Judges, Competitors, Dogs and all those who came to enjoy the spectacle.

The 2011 Event

In June 2011, in the middle of the wettest winter in memory, 200 teams lined up for an endurance event designed to replicate the original Kokoda Track. The 96km course that snakes through the rugged Gold Coast hinterland is hailed as Australia's toughest endurance event and the weather promised to make this one even tougher.

Spantech and a group of suppliers and subcontractors sponsored a team. The four team members who bravely accepted the grueling challenge included Dick Lucas, Spantech CEO, Spantech Construction Manager Rick Lucas and his wife Kim, and family friend Richard Goldsworthy from Victoria. The team was appropriately named team "Kim's 3 Ricks".

After 24 hours of non-stop rain, mud, slips, falls, blisters and numerous aches and pains, Rick, Kim and Richard were forced to retire at the 63km mark. It was a great effort to make it so far.

Dick joined the Kokoda Kids Team from Southern Gold Coast and battled on. He crossed the finish line ten hours later. After 96 km and 34 hours of hard slog, 67 year old Dick vowed it was his first and last Challenge.

Thanks to the support of many of Spantech's suppliers and subcontractors, the team raised $6,000 support local teenagers to gain a brighter future for themselves and their families through The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.

The Next Challenge - 2012

The 2012 Kokoda Challenge will be in July. This year Spantech will enter two teams (because it is a race). Dick is lining up again - amazing! Rick and Kim are back too.

Fundraising has already started with $700 raised at the annual Spantech Christmas party. Watch this space to see how you can support the team's fundraising efforts.

► NBN News story (this is a Windows Media File on the NBN website)
► Kokoda Challenge - Official Website
► More News