The Chiefs Rugby Club and Variety to fundraise 50 beds for Kiwi kids
Gallagher Chiefs Co-Captain leading from the front
The Chiefs Rugby Club is working with Variety for the third successive season to support the charity’s annual Warm Hearts Winter Appeal, with the goal of raising funds for 50 beds for Kiwi kids in need.
Variety is asking New Zealanders to donate to its Warm Hearts Winter Appeal to provide 1100 kids with new beds and warm bedding this winter. Each night, one in 10 Kiwi kids in New Zealand’s poorest communities won’t have their own bed to sleep in.
The Gallagher Chiefs are calling on all Club staff, players and supporters to help through the purchase of warm blankets, bedding packs and also single and bunk beds. There is also a ‘donate ticket’ option, which will allow a young child to attend a Gallagher Chiefs game with a carer.
Chiefs CEO, Michael Collins, acknowledged the amazing work of the team at Variety and the opportunity to support this initiative for those kids and families in need.
“Susan, Dominic and staff at Variety do such an amazing job in our community looking after all those families and children in need, and as a Club we are so proud to be able to assist them in some small way,” commented Collins.
“I know many of our staff and players have made a donation, as they know how important this fundraising push is heading into the cold winter months.”
The support from the Club is no more evident than from Co-Captain Sam Cane, who is donating his playing jersey from the Gallagher Chiefs home game against the Western Force on Saturday 21 May in Hamilton. The jersey will be auctioned alongside a number of other jerseys from the Gallagher Chiefs.
“As a team and Club, supporting this cause is close to our hearts and we hope those people who have the ability to contribute do find their way to donate or bid on an auction item. As a new father I’m so proud to be involved with helping children in need,” said Cane
Variety Chief Executive Susan Glasgow says children living in poverty bear the brunt of winter illnesses in part due to sharing beds or having no bed of their own.
“Sadly, 1 in 10 children in our poorest communities don’t have their own bed. They are sleeping on the floor, on couches, on mouldy mattresses or sharing beds with siblings,” she said.
Sharing beds means sharing viruses and other serious illnesses. Every year 28,000 children are hospitalised for diseases linked to poor sleeping environments.
“It’s more important and urgent than ever that children have a safe, dry and warm place to sleep,” said Glasgow.
A group of Variety carers and children will join fans on game night to cheer on the Gallagher Chiefs as they play the Western Force, and they will also get a special place pitch-side as the Gallagher Chiefs make their way to the field for kick-off.
The Gallagher Chiefs have listed the fundraising options and jersey auction details on the Club’s website, so for more information visit www.chiefs.co.nz
The Gallagher Chiefs play their final home round robin game against the Western Force on Saturday 21 May, kick-off 4.35pm at FMG Stadium, Hamilton. Tickets for the match can be purchased by also visiting www.chiefs.co.nz
