Auto Trader motors ahead with Whizz-Kidz

2005 is set to be a landmark year for Auto Trader - a year of developments and innovations, and a year of generosity.

Whilst Auto Trader has always raised funds for charity, this year will see the entire nationwide team join together for a further year as the company continues to sponsor its Charity of the Year - children's mobility charity Whizz-Kidz, with a donation target of over £100,000.

Auto Trader is the UK's no.1 destination for your motoring needs and is able to reach a wide range of consumers via the magazine and website, as well as through Wap enabled mobile phones and Digital TV. All this exposure means that a huge number of people will be able to learn about all the fantastic work that Whizz-Kidz does.

AUTO TRADER RUNS LONDON MARATHON FOR WHIZZ-KIDZ
On Sunday, April 17th, seventeen runners from Auto Trader set out on the 26.2 mile course and joined more than 30,000 others in participating in the 25th annual London Marathon where runners sported outfits ranging from superheroes to animals. The Auto Trader team were all running on behalf of the charity Whizz-Kidz, the company's Charity of the Year and worked hard to raise over £22,000.

One team marathon runner from North West Auto Trader Jane Cann said: "All I can say is what a fantastic experience ... The atmosphere, spectators and the support from Whizz-Kidz was fabulous ... I would do it again!"

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AUTO TRADER ADVERT CAMPAIGN RAISES £4,700
As a result of Auto Trader donating 10p from every advert placed online throughout October, a massive £4,786.70 was raised for Whizz-Kidz.

Auto Trader donated 10p for every private car and bike advert placed on the Auto Trader and Bike Trader websites between 4th October and 5th November.

Hazel Checkley, Web Editor at Auto Trader commented "This marks an important step towards Auto Trader's pledge to donate £100,000 to Whizz-Kidz."

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AUTO TRADER WHIZZES AROUND LONDON IN AID OF WHIZZ-KIDZ
As part of its two year commitment to Whizz-Kidz, Auto Trader employees took to the streets of London to walk the ten mile Whizz Walk and raise money for disabled children.

A team of thirty took part in the Whizz Walk, arranged by Auto Trader's Charity of the Year, Whizz-Kidz. Auto Trader's Whizz Walkers came from its centres in Wimbledon, Thatcham, Chiswick and Watford, joining over one thousand others lending their support to the charity.

The three-hour walk, which took place on June 27th, took in the sights and sounds of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St Paul''s Cathedral and much more on its way to the finishing line outside the Imperial War Museum.

"The Whizz Walk is a great way for Auto Trader to raise even more money to give disabled children mobility. We've pledged £100,000, but we are aiming much higher," said Matt Thompson, Trader Media Group Marketing Director and Whizz Walk participant.

AUTO TRADER MAGAZINE LENDS A HAND
Following a ''penny-per-copy donation'' Auto Trader managed to raise £10,000 for its nominated charity, Whizz-Kidz. For every issue of Auto Trader magazine during the 13th May, 11th June and 18th July, Auto Trader donated a penny, hitting the target of £3,500 per issue.

A big thank you to all those who bought a copy of Auto Trader on these days.

AUTO TRADER HAS FUN RAISING MONEY ON THE WHIZZ-KIDZ- BIG BLUE AND YELLOW DAY
Every year Whizz-Kidz encourages people - whatever their age, to raise funds by taking part in a Fun Day on October 15th, and raise funds over that week.

There were lots of creative ways Auto Trader employees raised money including paying to wear blue and yellow for the day, organising a centre car wash, a Best Dressed Desk award, dance contests and a special haircut given known as the 'Whizz-Cut' were just a few activities that took place on the day.

Overall, all Auto Traders centre Blue and Yellow Day events raised over £10,000- and had a lot of fun at the same time!

THAMES VALLEY AUTO TRADER REACHES GOAL OF £5,000
Thames Valley Auto Trader recently reached their initial fundraising goal of £5,000 for Whizz-Kidz. Fundraising efforts began in May 2004 but the past six months have been particularly successful as nearly £3300 has been collected since October 2004.

December and January 2005 were busy months for fundraising at Thames Valley with a Christmas raffle, charity football match and Baubles Day. The football match, alone, between Thames Valley Auto Trader and Auto Trader IT was a great success with a massive £550 raised.

Over the past months Thames Valley has been a wonderful example for other centres and deserves great recognition for their continuous efforts to raise money for such an important charity.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The NHS can only provide a basic range of mobility equipment and services for disabled children, as there simply isn't enough money to meet the growing demand. The work of Whizz-Kidz changes disabled children's lives - literally overnight. By providing them with customised mobility equipment, training and advice, they actually give them something much more important. Whizz-Kidz give them independence to live a life of freedom at home, school and at play; the independence to be themselves.

Throughout the year the Auto Trader team will be raising money for Whizz-Kidz. Thank you for your support and helping to change lives!

For more information visit the Whizz-Kidz website, www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

Whizz-Kidz is the working name of The Movement for Non-Mobile Children. Registered charity no: 802872

"Donations will be paid to Whizz-Kidz Trading Limited which donates all its profits to Whizz-Kidz"

Auto Trader is committed to helping charities across the UK. If you'd like to find out more information, please email ATcharity@tradermedia.co.uk or call 0208 544 7002.