The BLACKCAPS have autographed a match shirt from the historic Test win over Australia in Hobart and donated it raise funds for the Starship Foundation.
The team has given the autographed shirt to New Zealand Cricket sponsor ANZ, who will now auction it on Trade Me to raise money for the children’s health charity.
Those interested in buying the shirt can place bids on Trade Me at www.trademe.co.nz/sports/cricket or by searching ‘ANZ Charity Cricket Shirt’.
Funds raised will go towards Starship’s national Air Ambulance Service, which flies top medical experts to life-threatening emergencies across New Zealand. The money will fund support including staff training and aviation costs.
ANZ New Zealand chief executive David Hisco says: “The BLACKCAPS have made cricket history and have been generous enough to literally give us the shirt off their back for charity. As long-term supporters of New Zealand Cricket we thought what better way to celebrate this win than to donate to a New Zealand charity that does such great work for children in their hour of need.
“Ross has described the win as an early Christmas present to the nation. The signed shirt will make a great Christmas present for someone, and the funds raised will give something back to the community as many families face difficulties in the lead up to the festive season. Our cricketers do a lot for children and we felt that donating to a children’s cause would fit well with this. The Starship Air Ambulance can be the difference between life and death for critically ill children and we are proud to support it.”
Peter Dwan, commercial manager for New Zealand Cricket, says: “Having secured a memorable victory on the pitch, this is a fantastic way for the players and New Zealand
Cricket to help make someone’s Christmas, while supporting a great New Zealand cause in the form of the Starship Air Ambulance.”
THE STARSHIP AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE
Year-round the Starship Air Ambulance Service flies top medical experts to life-threatening emergencies around the country. These vary from complications arising from normal childhood illnesses such as the flu to accidents (drowning, car crashes, sporting injuries); as well as children suffering from heart conditions, seizures and meningitis. These specialists stabilise the children and allow them to be brought safely to Starship where they can receive the care they need.
Starship Foundation raises $1.5 million annually to fund this service in a variety of ways which includes staff training and aviation costs. In the aftermath of the devastating Christchurch earthquake, 42 patients in 44 hours were flown out of the city by air ambulances including the Starship Air Ambulance - the only service that specialises in treating and transporting critically ill children.
