All Blacks Test initiatives to support Canterbury
As ticket sales for the All Blacks v Fiji for Canterbury Test match approach 10,000 the New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed several initiatives aimed at boosting the fundraising and support for earthquake-hit Canterbury.
With Rugby World Cup 2011 just 71 days away, the special feature match at Dunedin’s Carisbrook, will be New Zealand’s first good look at the All Blacks side in 2011 and the only time the All Blacks play in the South Island this year.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the 22 July Test match was not only the country’s first chance to see the All Blacks in pre-World Cup action, but it served as New Zealand rugby’s anchor for a number of initiatives aimed at raising funds and showing support for the people of Canterbury.
“We have committed to giving 100 per cent of our net profits from this Test match to Canterbury. While they continue to live through the devastating effects of the major earthquakes and aftershocks, we want them to know that New Zealanders admire their strength, tenacity and courage as they rebuild,” Mr Tew said.
The NZRU is supporting fundraising for Canterbury through:
· Donating all net profits from ticket sales to Canterbury recovery efforts, with the majority distributed through the Government’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
· Donating some to the All Blacks official charities, Plunket and KidsCan for their work with Christchurch kids
· Fans at Carisbrook and watching the game on television will also be able to donate funds via a text donation number
· Online auction of a unique “for Canterbury” replica All Blacks jersey signed by the All Blacks
· Online auction of very rare signed international sports items donated by adidas
· A Do the Business campaign encouraging businesses to buy bulk tickets to the Test
· A Billet a Cantab programme allowing Dunedin locals to host Cantabrians traveling to the game
· Presentation of special All Blacks jerseys to representatives from rescue and rebuild organisations working in Christchurch
· New Zealand music sensation and Christchurch son Jason Kerrison of Op Shop will perform at the Test match.
Christchurch City Mayor Bob Parker said he’s extremely grateful for the kindness being shown to the city following the recent earthquakes.
“I’m continually moved by the wonderful, heartfelt support this city has received from all around the country, and internationally. The fundraising effort by the New Zealand Rugby Union is another example of people’s generosity and desire to support our beautiful city in its time of great need. It’s this generosity of one human being for another, with nothing expected in return, which continues to move me.”
Tickets for the Dunedin for Canterbury Test Match and the two Investec Tri Nations Test matches in Wellington (30 July) and Auckland (6 August) are now on sale. For more information visit online www.allblacks.com.
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Ticket sale details:
All Blacks v Fiji, Carisbrook, Dunedin, 22 July, 7:35 pm
Children: from $25, Adults: $50-$115
Ticket Direct Phone: 0800 224 224
Online: www.ticketdirect.co.nz
All Blacks v South Africa, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 30 July, 7:35 pm
Children: from $26, Adults: $72-$135
Ticketek Phone: 0800 842 538
Online: www.ticketek.co.nz
All Blacks v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland, 6 August, 7:35 pm
Children: from $15
Adults: $45-$160
Ticketmaster Phone: 0800 111 999
Online: www.ticketmaster.co.nz
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For further information contact:
Juli Clausen
NZRU
M: 0275 70 70 45