SOFTBALL STEPS UP TO SUPPORT CYCLONE GABRIELLE RELIEF EFFORTS
A big shoutout to Waitakere Bears and North Harbour Softball for providing much needed support to those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Their acts of kindness highlight the important role that sports organisations can play in promoting social responsibility and giving back to the wider community.
WAITAKERE BEARS HOME BASE FOR CYCLONE RELIEF
During the Auckland Floods, Waitakere Bears Softball & Baseball Club, came together to offer assistance to the wider community.
The committee along with many helpers, ran a linen/food drive through the club rooms. The response from club members was very efficient from the contributions, Bears were able to distribute 80 food parcels and 8 carloads of towels/linen direct to the doorsteps of houses in need throughout local affected areas.
Further help was provided by Waitakere Bears when Starling Park became the home base for a relief effort a week later. They hosted 13,000 members of the Student Volunteer Army who further connected with the local area to offer assistance and general clean up.
NORTH HARBOUR PITCHES IN
The North Harbour Softball Association has shown tremendous support for the victims of Cyclone Gabrielle by raising a remarkable $3,093 through their Pitch In for Whānau initiative. The fundraising event was held on the 12th of March and aimed to provide much-needed assistance to those affected by the natural disaster.
Through the Pitch In for Whānau initiative, the association was able to generate significant funds through the crowdfunding platform, Givealittle. The funds raised will be donated to Red Cross New Zealand, a well-known charity organisation that has been providing relief and support to those affected by the cyclone.
SUPPORT FOR TAIRAWHITI
Softball New Zealand demonstrated its commitment to the Tairawhiti community by providing support in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. The category 1 cyclone made landfall on New Zealand's North Island, causing significant damage and disruption to the region. Recognising the need for assistance, Softball NZ donated $1,200 worth of Countdown vouchers, which can be used to purchase essential groceries and household items. The vouchers were distributed to those in need, enabling them to access much-needed supplies and basic necessities.
TELETHON FOR NATIONAL TEAMS
Mt Albert Ramblers have revived a fundraising classic, the 1970/80's Telethon, in a remarkable effort to provide financial support to players of the Sky Sport New Zealand White Sox and U23 Major Sox Men’s team.
The White Sox players are travelling to Italy in July for the WBSC Group C Women's Softball World Cup Qualifier, while the Major Sox will depart for Argentina in April for the WBSC U23 Men's Softball World Cup. Both teams have significant levies to pay to represent their country, and Ramblers are rallying behind them to help alleviate some of the financial burden. At the time of writing, the Telethon has raised an impressive $2,230, a testament to the generosity and support of the Ramblers community.
To support the cause, go to the Ramblers Facebook Page or contact Megarn Earley via email
Telethon - First held in 1975 to launch TV2, the fundraising extravaganza ran every few years until 2011, peaking in the mid-80s when it raised $6 million (more than $23 million in 2021 money) for charity.