Thrifty car auction aims to keep volunteer lifeguards on patrol

One lucky driver could be making their way to the beach in style this year at the same time as helping to keep Kiwis safer at their favourite playground.

As one of Surf Life Saving New Zealand's valued partners, Thrifty Car Rental will auction off a brand new Toyota Highlander Limited ZR, which has a recommended retail price of over $80,000, on Trade Me.

Once the auction reserve has been met, all profits from the auction sale will be donated directly to Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

This is the third year in a row that Thrifty has run the auction in support of the charity that relies on the public's support to keep volunteer lifeguards trained and on the beaches each summer.

Thrifty came on board as a gold partner of Surf Life Saving in 2013 and in that time, they have raised over $125,000 for the organisation.

On top of their fundraising activities, Thrifty provides a fleet of vehicles for SLSNZ staff to support their clubs and lifeguards around the country.

The charity auction will go live tomorrow morning here on Trade Me and will close at 8pm on Monday August 22.

The premium 5 star ANCAP safety rated all-wheel drive vehicle comes in the winner's colour of choice and features a nine inch LCD entertainment screen, reversing monitor, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, sunroof, leather interiors and six speed automatic transmission.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand's major partner BP is also donating a fuel gift card valued at $250.

Thrifty Car Rental NZ General Manager Emma Gardiner says Thrifty is once again thrilled to be able to help support the country's volunteer lifeguards.

"Last year's auction successfully helped raise much needed funds for SLSNZ and we're delighted to be able to undertake the auction again. It's also our chance to proactively give back to the communities and customers we serve in a really meaningful way," she says.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton says he is grateful to Thrifty for undertaking this auction in support of SLSNZ.

"Thrifty is a valued partner of ours and we're grateful for their ongoing support. We hope this year's auction will help us raise much needed funds to keep our volunteer lifeguards trained and on patrol this summer," he says.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Smith, Media & Communications Manager, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.smith@surflifesaving.org.nz