Bay of Plenty Community Rugby Manager Pat Rae says he has nothing but admiration for the rugby community as they battle to overcome the hardship brought about from COVID-19.
Bay Rugby has set up a 'givealittle' page on behalf of the Union's affiliated rugby clubs and called it the 'Pay it Back” campaign.
Pat says COVID-19 has impacted sports nationwide and it is still unclear the long-term impact it will have on clubs in the Bay. However, he has been amazed by the way the clubs have reacted to the campaign.
'Like true grassroots people, when Bay Rugby suggested the ‘Pay it Back' Campaign, there was an underlining feeling that clubs felt uncomfortable and did not want to ask the community for help.
'Clubs have always been about that hand up, not hand out mentality but it's times like this when everyone needs a little bit of support.
'Rugby clubs have provided so many memories, generation after generation and now its time for our community to help pay it back.”
Pat says the campaign is aimed at current and past players, supporters, businesses and members of rugby clubs who want to give back at this time and get ready to provide rugby for their players and community post-COVID-19.
'It's going to be tough with the added work to keep their members safe and so every bit of support counts.
'It could be as little as the cost of a flat white you'd drink whilst watching a game from the side-line or the price of a pint you'd buy to celebrate a victory or commiserate a loss.”
All donated money will go towards clubs and community Pat says.
'For example; purchase hygiene supplies, subsidizing junior club fees for whānau in need, buy the paint to mark the fields and replace those stolen socks from last year,” Pat says.
Along with monetary donations, Rae says people can also volunteer their time.
'We also want to encourage our people to give back to their club and community by volunteering to help out to rebuild their club to be better than before COVID-19 - because it takes a club to run a club.”
Givealittle page link: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/pay-it-back-fundraiser
All funds raised go to the club the donator nominates. Bay Rugby will deposit donations for clubs at the conclusion of the fundraising period on Friday, June 12.
The following Bay of Plenty Rugby Clubs are participating;
Arataki Junior and Senior Rugby
Edgecumbe
Greerton Marist
Judea
Katikati
Kawerau
Marist St Michaels
Mt Maunganui
Murupara
Ngongotaha
Opotiki
Paroa Junior Rugby
Poroporo
Rangataua
Rangiuru
Ruatoki
Tauranga Sports
Waikite
Waimana
Whakatane Marist
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