Generous supporters have helped Hautapu Sports Club raise $20,000 for two cancer-related charities.
The club dedicated its fundraising efforts at its Club Day in May to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ and Reel Recovery NZ, raising awareness and money to help both charities continue their much-needed work.
Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ will benefit by $5,000 and Reel Recovery NZ by $15,000.
The donations come from Hautapu’s Whaanau Support Fund, which was established in 2021 to provide financial support to members of our club community or for their loved ones if they are affected by a serious health issue.
The Club Bay included a charity auction after Hautapu’s Premier games against old rivals Hamilton Marist at Memorial Park, and the Colts’ match against Eastern Suburbs.
Auction items included specially-designed jerseys, provided by our apparel partner Dynasty NZ, worn in the Waikato Premier Rugby match against Marist and cleaned immediately after the final whistle.
Club Day
Special guests at our Club Day were former rugby players Peter Fergusson and Mark Tomsett.
Peter Fergusson is the CEO of Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, while Mark Tomsett helps run Reel Recovery NZ.
Hautapu Sports Club President Dave Simes says what made the day so special was that Mark and Peter were two very successful former Hautapu players, who are now heavily involved in helping others through difficult and traumatic times.
“As a club, we are so proud to be associated with them and their organisations, and it was fantastic that our members and supporters were able to acknowledge this with their generosity.
“I would sincerely like to thank everyone who made this possible on behalf of the Hautapu Sports Club.”
Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ
Every four hours, a New Zealander is diagnosed with a cancer or related condition.
Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ was formed in 1977 to support those with blood-related cancer by providing patient support, financial support for research, providing information and creating awareness of the disease, and by providing advocacy services.
Learn more about the organisation in this 2-minute video:
Reel Recovery NZ
Reel Recovery was founded in 2003 by a group of avid fly-fishers, inspired by their fishing buddy’s ongoing battle with brain cancer.
Witnessing first-hand the beneficial impact fly-fishing provided their friend, they created Reel Recovery to provide the same opportunity for other men battling the disease, by providing fishing retreats.
Combining expert fly-fishing instruction with directed “courageous conversations”, the organization provides men with all forms of cancer a unique opportunity to share their stories, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of cancer.
Main photo: A group enjoy each other’s company, and support, at a Reel Recovery retreat.
Learn more about the organisation in this 2-minute video:
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