Jerseys worn by the Vodafone Warriors in their historic homecoming match against the Wests Tigers on July 3 are among two sets now up for auction to help raise funds for the Warriors Community Foundation.
Also available through the auction are the club’s 2022 ‘Te Amokura’ Indigenous jerseys used against the Newcastle Knights in round 12.
Money raised from selling the prized apparel will provide invaluable help in the foundation’s goal to reach more tamariki (children) through its programmes.
As official charity partner the Vodafone Warriors have provided further support by gifting the foundation game day sponsorship of the club’s Homecoming Series #3 match against the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs on August 12.
“It’s a fantastic gesture from the Vodafone Warriors to donate this level of support,” said Warriors Community Foundation CEO Lincoln Jefferson.
“Auctioning the two sets of jerseys has the potential to generate significant funding for programmes which are of great benefit to the community. We also have a number of game day initiatives planned when the Vodafone Warriors host the Bulldogs.”
The jerseys are still open for bids through galabid.com/wcf22 with the auction closing at 10.30pm on August 12 following the match against the Bulldogs.
The Warriors Community Foundation tackles social issues by delivering programmes for tamariki that leverage the Vodafone Warriors' energy, values and mana to promote positive change in physical health, literacy and life skills.
Formed a few months before the 2020 lockdown, the foundation was unable to deliver a lot of its planned programmes.
“So, we’re excited to be back connecting with the community again and educating and inspiring our youth in schools,” said Jefferson.
“So far the foundation has reached 28,845 children through 128 schools.
“And now, since we’re a registered charity, your support directly helps us reach more tamaraki.”
Warriors Community Foundation | Programmes
Prepare to Perform | Whakarite Ki Te Mahi
Teaching the essentials of health and wellbeing. Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and eating right is just as important for a Vodafone Warriors player as it is for our kids. Prepare to Perform is a fun, dynamic programme designed to help children perform at their best, creating wellbeing techniques that last a lifetime.
Tupu Maia | Girls-only programme
Focuses on the enjoyment of sport for girls, wellbeing and keeping physically active. Research and consultation has shown that there are many reasons for young wāhine to drop out of sport and physical recreation. This programme aims to create a positive environment for the intermediate-aged girls in the community to take part in sport and keep physically active.
League in Libraries | Rīki i ngā Whare Pukapuka
Encourages the enjoyment of reading and literacy as essential life skills through the support of engaging mentors and role models. The programme incorporates a writing competition where students are invited to submit stories about their favourite Vodafone Warriors for judging. The best primary and intermediate age student has their work professionally illustrated and published.
