South Island devotees of epic motoring journeys turned up in droves to the NZMCA Motorhome & Caravan Expo at the weekend.
Ryman was there at the Christchurch Arena-based event and put its best foot forward in helping ensure everyone was healthy and ready for two-day road trip or an extended holiday.
The Ryman-sponsored health checkup hub meant attendees, numbering many thousands, were able to get those all-important health checks.
The free assessments included eyesight, hearing and melanoma/skin monitoring by various health providers, some of whom have been charity partners with Ryman.
The groups included The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ (Ryman’s current charity partner), Specsavers and Melanoma NZ. The Fred Hollows non-profit foundation focuses on treating and preventing blindness and other vision problems.
Rymanians arrived at the Christchurch Arena on Friday to help set up the health stand. Many association members were there early too, bringing in the big outdoor and road trip gear including caravans, motorhomes, tents and other innovative outdoor stuff.
The event was held from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.
Ryman Events Manager Vanessa Fleming said it was Ryman’s first time sponsoring a health hub in Christchurch. “We did it in Hamilton last year, and will do it again there this year.
“It’s a great event for our target demographic and will also be a good support of our annual charity partner.”
Ryman Events Specialist Bobby Trolove said overall the expo provided great exposure for Ryman, with many thousands of attendees across the weekend. “There were lots of new and old friends of Ryman coming for a chat to our sales advisors.
“Lots of people interested in hearing from us... Quite a few punters had travelled from the West Coast and Central Otago where we don't have a large presence and were keen to hear more about Ryman.”
Area Sales Manager Vicki Payne said the expo was a great community event that Ryman was proud to support both the expo and its own brand. “It was a great crowd. There were lots of people there... it was good branding – we were there with Fred Hollows, we were there with Melanoma NZ,” Vicki said.
Ryman sales staff who manned our site over the weekend spent time between talking with attendees and assisting those who wanted to sign up for a skin check. Those visiting the health hub also had the chance to sign up for a Ryman village tour in the next few weeks. Those who go on that exploratory village visit will go in a draw to potentially win a $500 supermarket voucher.
The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ Insight Manager Jessica Ainsley said the foundation was thrilled to be a part of the Ryman health hub. “We met lots of great people attending the Expo and were able to raise awareness about The Foundation and our sight-restoring work in the Pacific,” Jessica said. “It was a great opportunity to acknowledge The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ as Ryman’s Charity Partner of the Year and engage with expo attendees across the weekend.”
