Fire engine pull in Whangārei to raise money for cancer lodge

Edna Johnson and Tony Savage are the organisers of the Whangārei South Rotary Club fire engine pull event. Photo / Supplied

A short burst of physical effort to pull a fire engine down a central city street in Whangārei could mean long-term gains for Northland families supporting loved ones with cancer.

The fun event will see teams of six pull a fire engine along a Whangārei street to raise money for Domain Lodge.

Event organiser Edna Johnson said the teams would haul a fire engine down James St from Cameron St to Robert St, with the fastest team being the winner.

Johnson said the event organised by Whangarei South Rotary Club, would raise funds for the refurbishment of Domain Lodge, next to the Auckland Hospital.

Domain Lodge is Cancer Society Auckland's motel-like accommodation complex near the Domain in Auckland and close to Auckland Hospital and the Starship Children's Hospital.

Plenty of Northlanders use the lodge when supporting sick family members and those getting treatment.

"A member of your family or a good friend may well have used this safe house, a place to relax and recover with their family between bouts of cancer therapy," Johnson said.

"The aim is to raise a significant sum which can be put towards upgrading the facilities at the Lodge. It is your opportunity to give a little and say thanks to the Cancer Society for providing this home away from home for many cancer sufferers and their families while they undergo treatment at Auckland Hospital."

It was also a chance to have some fun and cheer on the teams from local businesses, sports clubs, social groups and emergency services as they pulled the big red engine down James St.

For entry forms contact Tony Savage at Legal House, 9 Hunt Street, Whangarei, and make sure that your team is assembled in the Mall 15 minutes prior to the event for briefing on rules and health and safety.

This fun event on April 6 will kick off at the stage in the Cameron St Mall at 10am and be completed by 12.30pm.