ILPH (NZ) goes on a "Virtual Ride"

The International League for the Protection of Horses (New Zealand) is going into cyberspace to promote its activities throughout the country.

Instead of taking to the state highways, the ILPH Virtual Reality Ride and Drive will go through 2000km of New Zealand on the computer screen. Administrator Marilyn Bright says that the ILPH (NZ) Welfare Officer's vehicle covers about 5000km per month, investigating horse welfare complaints received from members of the public. Mileage donations will help keep the ILPH jeeps on the road, and ILPH headquarters in Great Britain -- which set the challenge -- will double all money raised in the campaign.

With a coverage area from the top of the North Island to the Deep South, the International League for the Protection of Horses (New Zealand) helps to solve horse welfare problems all over the country.

The league is asking for donations of $NZ5 per km, and a donation of $NZ10 or more -- and a New Zealand contact address -- will get supporters an entry in the ILPH Members' Draw to win a Pat Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship Savvy Pack. A progress tracking map is on the ILPH website, and the draw takes place on 4 April 2003.

"This 2003 Virtual Reality Ride and Drive is a fundraising challenge, and we really appreciate the help that New Zealand horse-lovers are giving us," says Marilyn Bright.

"Our campaign was launched in mid-January in the Northland and Auckland Regions, and 'Extra Mile' donations received to date have taken us about as far as the Brynderwyn Hills. There is a long road ahead and our finish date is 31 October 2003. With ILPH head office doubling the funds that New Zealanders contribute, we are looking for lots more horse-lovers to chip in $5 or so to help ILPH NZ to Go That Extra Mile in the interests of horse welfare."

More information:

Marilyn Bright
ilphnz@xtra.co.nz
P.O. Box 10-368, Te Rapa, Hamilton
Phone: 07-849-0678
Fax: 07-849-9034
www.horsetalk.co.nz/ilph