Mike Bird has been in business in Dunedin all his working life and now that he is semi-retired, he says life is busier than ever.
Mike operates a storage company with his wife Sue and feels extremely lucky to have his daughter and grandchildren living close by in Dunedin.
In his spare time, he helps the Otago Medical Research Foundation with fundraising, and is an avid fan of the Highlanders, Otago and the All Blacks – in fact any team or sports person who can beat the Aussies. He has always had an interest in cars, motor sport and new and vintage vehicles.
Mike is passionate about Dunedin and would never consider living anywhere else. He believes in ‘giving back’ and donates regularly to various charities including the Foundation, an organisation he is particularly enthusiastic about.
Four years ago, Mike and a friend initiated ‘The Friends of the Foundation’, specifically to raise funds for the Otago Medical Research Foundation.
To date they have raised around $100,000 for medical research and he is keen to dedicate future donations towards cancer research, having lost several family members to cancer including his eleven year old nephew and his late mother, Belle.
While you are reading this, he suggests you may want to pause and consider how cancer has affected someone in your life – your family, mates, friends or sports team members.
"There are very few of us who have not been affected by this disease in some way, which is why it's so important to work together to help the fight," he said.
"Research continues and we have some exciting developments happening here in Dunedin, but research relies heavily on grants and donations."
Mike is asking for pledges of $2000 per year to the Friends of the Foundation.
Will you join us to help fund this world class research in your city, for your children and grandchildren?
The target is $100,000 per year – all for research.
For more information get in touch with OMRF Director of Development Susan Sims [email protected] or call (03) 477 8977