Long legs of the law

Late last year, West Coast Police members ran a five-day, 600km relay north from Haast to Karamea to raise awareness, support and funds toward the construction of a holiday home near Shantytown for individuals and families affected by disability.

The CCS Disability Action home will incorporate the latest design features, including wheelchair access, modified bench heights, accessible bathrooms and Braille rugs to accommodate people with a range of disabilities.

West Coast Police Education Officers, Senior Constables Terri Middleton and Jos Sturkenboom, coordinated school visits, community events, Police runners, traffic management plans, accommodation, food, vehicles and refined arrangements throughout the week.

As the ‘COPS 4 CCS’ runners chewed through the kilometres, CCS Disability Action workers and volunteers collected donations from pubs, clubs, shops and schools.

Passing cars stopped to make donations to the Longest Beat Team, fundraising for the Welcome Home appeal.

Sirens sounded and lights flashed at every town as townspeople and school children lined the streets to cheer in the runners and make their donations.

During the week, CCS Disability Action and Police visited 20 schools with a magician and also gave wheelchair rugby demonstrations.

Some staff ran with the team the whole week, doing many laps each day, while others joined on their days off.

Greymouth CCS Coordinator, Gloria Hammond, says she was humbled by the number of companies, schools, fire brigades, service clubs and individuals who got behind the cause, describing it as “just fantastic”.

CCS Disability Action West Coast sincerely thanked the West Coast Police for having the vision, commitment, enthusiasm - and the legs - to support the project.

Senior Constable Jos Sturkenboom says it was a privilege for Police to work with CCS Disability Action, and a great chance to participate in such a worthy cause.

“It was also great for staff morale, team building, fitness, camaraderie and for us (Police) to become closer to our community. Members who ran during the week really took on and enjoyed the challenge.”

At a fundraising dinner a week after the run, Sergeant Russell Glue, Hokitika, announced $30,155 had been raised during the five-day event.

Development West Coast also announced its $20,000 contribution, bringing funds raised to date to approximately $210,000. The total cost to build the home is estimated to be $345,000.