For many Kiwi families, paying for tickets to enjoy a live footy game is a stretch too far financially.
So, the Vodafone Warriors are on a mission to change that by introducing a new ‘Gift of Footy’ programme today in association with charity partner KidsCan.
The programme gives Kiwis the opportunity to buy a low-cost ticket bundle containing one adult and one child’s GA ticket for the club's game against the Melbourne Storm on Saturday, June 8.
Tickets purchased will go directly to a deserving a KidsCan family for them to enjoy the game, thanks to the generosity of the buyer.
Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George said the programme is part of the club’s commitment to the wider community and its special partnership with charity partner KidsCan.
We want to give all Kiwi families the opportunity to enjoy a live game at Mount Smart Stadium
Cameron George Vodafone Warriors CEO
“We're a family club. We want to give all Kiwi families the opportunity to enjoy a live game at Mount Smart Stadium, regardless of their financial circumstances," he said.
"We know we have hundreds of hugely passionate and generous members, fans and supporters of the club, and we believe giving them the opportunity to personally gift a Vodafone Warriors game day experience to a young person and their family will really resonate with our supporters.
“This is all about us coming together as a community and doing something special for those most in need. We are confident this will be a hugely memorable and exciting experience for these children and their parents, as well as being a rewarding and gratifying act of kindness for those donating tickets.
“There are 173 KidsCan schools in Auckland. We want to see if together we can host 1000 kids from KidsCan schools across the region at Mount Smart Stadium to watch us take on the Storm.”
idsCan’s CEO and Founder Julie Chapman says this is a fantastic initiative.
"We support children whose families are struggling to provide them with enough food or warm clothing," she said.
"Most of their budget goes on rent and there's certainly nothing left over for activities. That's an incredibly stressful place to be as a parent, so this night out will mean the world to them."
KidsCan’s mission is to help Kiwi kids living in hardship reach their full potential and create brighter futures for themselves.
The organisation provides Kiwi kids in need with food, clothing and health items at school, so they can get into the classroom in a position to learn.
KidsCan does this because it believes education equals opportunity and all children, regardless of their social economic background, should have an equal chance.
To 'Give the Gift of Footy', fans can visit: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/promo/6uv1ee
