Picton canoeist Kelvin Oram returns home today from paddling six of the world’s seven most challenging rivers to raise funds for Save the Children New Zealand – in time for the beginning of the charity’s Annual Appeal next week.

24-year-old Kelvin, who fought off pirates in the Amazon and was robbed at knifepoint on the River Ganges during his epic 12 month journey, paddled the Murray, Mekong, Kinabatangan, Ganges, Nile, and the Amazon in an inflatable canoe to raise funds for Save the Children’s programmes. Kelvin will be welcomed home tomorrow morning by friends, family and Executive Director of Save the Children New Zealand, John Bowis.

Mr Bowis says Kelvin has made a wonderful contribution to Save the Children’s fight for children’s rights.

“While the exact funds raised through pledges are not yet known, the work Kelvin has done to raise the profile of Save the Children and highlight the problems faced by underprivileged children around the world has been invaluable. Kelvin has shown a huge commitment to the cause and we’re delighted to have him representing our organisation.”

Mr Bowis says Kelvin is unlikely to be out on the streets collecting for Save the Children during its Annual Appeal Week from this Tuesday 11 October.

“We’ll leave that to our other volunteers, Kelvin has most certainly done his bit!”

Save the Children, which was recently named official charity of the All Blacks, aims to raise more than half a million dollars during this year’s Annual Appeal.

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Victoria Barton-Chapple
021 610 008
victoria@prdept.co.nz