Hard work pays off

True Colours CEO chief executive Cynthia Ward (centre) receives funds. Pictured with her are Joe Henare, Sheldon Macdonald, Amy McLean and Alistair Richardson.

Waikato businesses went through their paces in a gruelling military-style bootcamp to raise money for True Colours.

Eight teams took part in the month-long bootcamp, organised by Les Mills, to help fundraise for the charity, which provides a free integrated model of care to children and their families living with a serious or life-threatening illness.

The teams of five from BNZ, Hamilton City Council, Heathcotes, Les Mills (three teams) and Tainui (two teams) raised over $30,000. This is the second year Les Mills has run the successful corporate challenge bootcamp for charity.

Reception manager for Les Mills Hamilton Amy McLean said True Colours was chosen as the charity to support because it ticked all of the boxes.

"We wanted to encourage teams to fundraise for a local charity that helped children," she said.

"Only a couple of the teams knew about the work True Colours does, so it was great to help raise the awareness."

The Waikato-based charity, which has just undergone a rebrand to be known as True Colours Children's Health Trust, is entirely community funded, requiring it to raise money each year through community donations, corporate fundraisers and grants.

Cynthia Ward, chief executive and nurse specialist for True Colours, said the Les Mills fundraiser was a fantastic result for the trust.

"It is overwhelming to receive this financial support from the businesses involved in the bootcamp and to hear the stories of what the participants did to raise the money," Mrs Ward said.

"Their generosity will make a significant difference to the children and families we care for."