The 10th Amazing Wheelbarrow Race – Bara Battle has raised a record $250,000 for the Frank Hilton Organisation, providing a major boost to services for children with disabilities across Fiji.

Chief Executive Officer Sureni Perera announced the milestone after the annual fundraiser at Albert Park, saying the amount is the highest raised in the event’s 10-year history.

Perera said the organisation had already raised $246,815.25 before receiving a surprise donation from International Women’s Association (IWA Fiji), which brought the total to $250,000.

She said the funds will allow the organisation to continue operating the Frank Hilton Home for the remainder of the year and support the growing number of children and families who rely on its services.

Perera acknowledged the dedication of the Frank Hilton Organisation staff, saying the event takes almost a year to organise despite the organisation not having professional event planners.

She said staff members, including speech therapists, physiotherapists, behaviour support officers, audiometrists, caregivers and administrative staff, volunteer their time outside their normal duties to make the event possible.

The CEO thanked the 25 corporate teams, sponsors and supporters who participated in this year’s race, saying their commitment extends far beyond the competition.

She revealed that two teams alone, the Bagel Boys and the Hardcourts team, raised more than $120,000.

Harcourts has once again emerged as the highest fundraising team, continuing a decade-long commitment to supporting children with disabilities through the Frank Hilton Organisation.

Harcourts representatives said the company has participated in the fundraiser every year since it began and has always aimed to raise as much as possible for the cause.

Harcourts Agent Nicci McGrath said there is a friendly rivalry with the Bagel Boys each year to see who can raise the most funds, but stressed that the focus has always been on helping children.

“It’s always for the kids,” she said.

Harcourts and the Bagel Boys together raised more than $120,000, making a significant contribution to the record $250,000 raised during this year’s Amazing Wheelbarrow Race.

Meanwhile, Fortech Construction has claimed victory in the physical challenge of the 10th Amazing Wheelbarrow Race – Bara Battle after a week of dedicated training.

Senior OHS Officer Avikash Kumar said the win was the result of teamwork and commitment, with the team training every morning for a week leading up to the event.

He said Fortech Construction, which is celebrating 30 years in business, was proud to take part in the fundraiser and thanked the company’s directors.

Despite celebrating the victory, Kumar emphasised that the event was about much more than competition.

“It’s for a good cause, to support the Frank Hilton Organisation and children with disabilities.”