A Star studded gala dinner was successfully hosted by Toll NZ and Former International Cricketer Chris Cairns at Auckland’s Sky City Convention Centre on Saturday 17^th of February 2007, to officially launch the Chris Cairns Foundation.

Toll NZ Chief Executive David Jackson joined Chris in expressing appreciation for the support of the 500 attendees in raising rail safety awareness and providing funding for rail safety initiatives.

With the evening hosted by renowned Australian Cricket Commentator Richie Benaud and also featured guest speakers Earl Spencer, the brother of Princess Diana, Prime Minister Right Honorable Helen Clark and TV3’s Carol Hirshfeld and John Campbell.

 Many attendees described the function as one of the best and most memorable they have ever attended. In his speech, David noted that when the Toll Group arrived in New Zealand in late 2003, they were “staggered at the horrific toll on life and the pain and suffering caused by level crossing accidents across the nation”. David also went on to say “we were soon to realise that not only the victims and their families suffered, but also our staff — in particular our hard-working locomotive engineers. “These people are exposed to some awful situations, all of which are so unnecessary.” The Prime Minister praised Toll NZ and Chris for the combined efforts to improve rail safety.

Helen Clark went on to say “Chris is one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders and he’s already got runs on the board for rail safety. The profile he has given the issue in the short time since the foundation’s announcement has already had a significant impact.”

Last year there were 20-fewer rail crossing accidents than there were in 2005, only 15 compared with 35 — the lowest annual figure in 20 years.

Having got to know Chris 11 years ago at a cricket game in the United Kingdom, Earl Spencer spoke of how he and Chris have both had to endure the tragic loss of very much loved sisters and how he was more than happy to come to New Zealand to assist with launching the Foundation.

To raise even further funds for rail safety, Chris soon intends is to walk from Auckland to Rolleston in the South Island, which is where his sister was killed after a truck went through a level crossing and hit the train in which she was a passenger.

More information and dates will be announced later this year.