18th December 2009 10:29AM

The Chiefs are committed to bringing Christmas cheer to five families in the region through their support of the Salvation Army Hamilton's "Adopt a Family for Christmas" cause.

All Chiefs players, team management and staff have donated time and money to provide personalised Christmas Day hampers and presents for five families in need. This Monday the hampers will be delivered.

Chiefs player Richard Kahui says: "we know that Christmas can be a trying time for many individuals and families. The guys and Chiefs staff are fully committed to putting some Christmas cheer back into the lives of some families in need. We hope we can put smiles on the faces of the families we have supported this Christmas Day. The Salvation Army Hamilton's Adopt a Family for Christmas cause is extremely worthwhile and we're proud to be supporting their efforts this Christmas."

Major Pam Waugh from Salvation Army Hamilton Community Ministries - The Nest says: "so far through the generosity of businesses and organisations in the city we'll be able to support around 300 families in need. It is the first time the Chiefs have come on board, and next year we'd love to see more organisations get behind this cause."

Footnote: Meanwhile Christmas and charity activities in other New Zealand Rebel Sport Super 14 franchises include:

• Blues players, management and staff are bringing Christmas goodwill to the staff and children at Kidz First Children's Hospital in South Auckland. Every player has personally bought and gift-wrapped a present and several of them will make this special delivery on Tuesday 22 December (10am), endeavouring to put smiles on the little faces of those in hospital over Christmas and the wonderful staff who care for them.
• The Crusaders players and management are each donating a 10kg bag of vegetables for the Christchurch City Mission's Christmas dinner and are helping to erect the Mission's Marquee at the Christchurch East School, Gloucester Street, between 8am-9am on Wednesday, December 23. The veges will help replace the potatoes grown by the City Mission for the dinner that were stolen recently.
• The Hurricanes will be once again delivering Christmas hampers on behalf of the Wellington City Mission on Christmas Eve. A number of players and members of team management will assist with the mission's bid to ensure some of the capital's most needy residents enjoy some Christmas cheer.