Fanatical Crusaders Fans Battle for Unique Charity Rugby Jerseys
When the Crusaders run on to the field on Saturday evening for their round fifteen Investec Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders every BNZ logo will be swapped out with the name of a different child..
This is part of a unique charity initiative that was developed by the BNZ to raise awareness and funds for Plunket during the annual charity round that proved to be hugely popular with Crusaders fans. The kids whose names feature on the jerseys either won charity auctions or were lucky enough to be chosen from a ballot.
BNZ head of brand, Mike Davy, was amazed with the response that the initiative received from across the country. “We’re excited to provide Kiwi kids a unique opportunity to be involved in the national game. Plunket has nurtured their fair share of stars and this is a great way to raise awareness and funds for the brilliant job they are doing for our youngest New Zealanders,” he says.
In an unexpected twist, Dan Carter will be running out for the Crusaders. However, this one is 16 years old and from Harewood. And whilst the more famous Dan is a taking a break, the new Dan Carter will have his name out on the field, only this time it will be on the #1 jersey.
Altogether three Crusdaers jersesy were auctioned through TradeMe with the balance given away through a ballot. Crusaders fans not only showed their generosity with the highest overall bid of $1,220 of for the Crusaders #9 jersey but they also raised the most money overall. In the ballot the Crusaders fans were also busy, submitting over four thousand entries.
Across the five Super rugby franchises the 15 jeresy auctions (three for each team) attracted over 24,000 views and hundreds of bids. The other 100 jerseys (20 for each team) were allocated through a free online ballot where more than 10,000 fans created a virtual jersey online to enter the draw.
Three of the winners, Ariel Kilgour (6) from Rangiora, CJ Young (4) from Hoon Hay, and Julia Manton (6) got an extra thrill as they presented their personalised jersey to the players who will be wearing it on Saturday at Crusaders squad training today.
After the match all of the jerseys will be sent to the winners to keep as a unique souvenir.
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