More than 100 GIB® staff and supporters, a whopping 1403 laps, and an incredible $229,934 raised for the Child Cancer Foundation. Team GIB® is on a runner’s high after smashing goals at this year’s Crusade with Heart ‘Long Run’. 

The highly anticipated charity event sees Cantabrians come out in force to support a 12-hour run-a-thon at Rugby and Malvern Parks. One of the Foundation’s biggest annual fundraising drives, the event raised over $125,000 in 2024, this year almost doubling that thanks to the efforts of close to 20,000 walkers and runners who powered their way through a phenomenal 40,042 laps. Winstone Wallboards Sales Support/Events Coordinator Stacey Beetham ticked off 17 of those laps and says she couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s efforts. 

“We are still in shock, that with the physical donations received on the day, combined with funds raised through the Raisely website, we are nearly at $230,000 and the donations are still rolling in,” she says. 

Winstone Wallboard’s Aaron Godfrey placed third overall in the individual category, completing a heart-pounding 114 laps, while Jamie Thomson sped into sixth place with 100 laps, and Matt Cherry clocked up 50 laps. Not only that, but Team GIB® took out the Corporate Challenge, trumping 80 other corporate teams and sneaking into top spot just 28 laps ahead of Aotea Electric Canterbury. But Stacey says they couldn’t have done it without help from their incredible Club GIB® Installers, customers, friends and family, who stepped up to the starting blocks for this worthy cause. 

“We are immensely proud and grateful to everyone that answered our call, especially to our wonderful customers who started work late or finished early to run with us. We cannot thank you enough and we are still in awe of this achievement. 

“It felt really good to be out there supporting this incredible cause and making a meaningful difference for kids and families navigating the cancer journey. Sadly, most people know of someone whose lives have been impacted by child cancer, and the Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting families through these tough times.” 

The Crusade with Heart Foundation was launched three years ago to benefit the community and build belonging and connection off the rugby field. Since then they have raised over $850,000 for youth based charities including Child Cancer Foundation, I Am Hope, KidsCan and Youth Hub Christchurch – and as longstanding Crusaders partners, Winstone Wallboards has walked alongside them every step of the way.