Transport and logistics specialist insurer NTI has raised more than $1 million for motor neurone disease (MND) research through unique truck raffles over the past five years.
MND is a condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that worsens over time. Currently, there are no cures for this disease, but there are treatments to help reduce its impact on a person's daily life.
The latest vehicle raffled by NTI was the ‘Expedition Truck,” which has already brought in over $200,000 ahead of the scheduled prize draw at the NTI Supercars round in Townsville on July 10. Valued at $265,000, the truck features an Isuzu 4x4 crew cab that can be used as a working truck and a 3.5 metre luxury motorhome that slides on and off the back via the click of a button.
The specialist insurer will provide the funds earned from the raffle to the MND and ME Foundation for research at The University of Queensland.
NTI has been working with MND and ME Foundation for five years to accelerate research on the disease. In a previous fundraising event, NTI restored a custom 1946 Ford Jail Bar and held an auction online to raise funds for MND.
NTI CEO Tony Clark said the cause was close to the company's heart, revealing that former CEO Wayne Patterson lost his battle with the disease in 2018.
“People might wonder why a transport and logistics company is helping raise funds for MND research, but it's something we're incredibly passionate about,” Clark said. “We're excited to offer two vehicles in one in this latest raffle. The truck has great towing power, and the motorhome features a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, LED lighting and TV, solar panels, water storage systems, and more.”
MND and Me Foundation CEO Jane Milne commented: “The support that NTI is providing for MND research goes directly into researchers at The University of Queensland, and over the last four years, that funding has enabled these researchers to continue their work into hopefully finding a suitable treatment and ultimately a cure.”
