Rebecca O'Hagan (Team Leader of contact centre recruitment in Auckland) has just signed up a Madison team to help SPCA Auckland fundraise through the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge on the 7th of July 2012.

What made you interested in putting a team together for the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge?
I’m signed up to the SPCA and receive their regular newsletters.  When I saw this event – SAS style, tackling swamp crossings, climbing the spiders web net, crawling under barb wire – I thought it sounded like fun and it is for such a great cause. The SPCA don’t get automatic government funding and look after over 17,000 animals each year in the Auckland branch alone – with winter being their busiest time.

It only dawned on me afterwards, once I created and signed up the team, that we're going to be doing this in the middle of winter! I am incredibly unfit and have less than a month to prepare...

What do you think will be most challenging about the event?
Finishing the event! I ran up the side of Mt Victoria in Devonport on the weekend and thought I was going to collapse. My dog Esme bounded around me full of energy while I sat, staring out to my house in the distance wishing I didn’t have to still get down this volcano. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the beautiful view. Determined to stay off road – I went straight back down the side, slipped and skidded a distance down – with mud down my side, my bright new running shoes not so bright and my dog still bouncing around, I dragged myself home.

Who is your pick?
a. The one who will raise the most money?
Me! I’ve already had a friend donate $50!!!
b. The one who will complete the event with ease?
The lads – but out of the girls Nalinee – she’s competitive and endured outward bound.  This will be a walk in the park for her. 
c. The one who may potentially regret entering?! 
Samara
d. The surprise of the day?
Adele

As a busy recruiter and team leader it’s hard to find balance between work, family, charity and leisure. How do you do it?
A great team and great family support. 

Any last words on why we should donate?
Look at these animals!!!

These are animals currently up for adoption – not everyone can adopt an animal, but everyone can do their bit! Their work could not continue without the contribution of people and businesses out in the community who through their financial support, choose to help. During winter as many as 45 cats per day can come in – most of which have been abandoned through no fault of their own. The money that we generate will help feed, provide warmth and desexing of animals.