The Hurricanes are getting behind charity partner, The Salvation Army, in time for The Salvation Army’s annual appeal during the month of May.  

Together with the Highlanders, the Hurricanes are hoping their support will encourage fans to dig deep for ‘money can’t buy’ auction items to raise much needed funds for The Red Shield Appeal. 

The Red Shield Appeal helps to fund The Salvation Army’s community-based social services aimed at helping the most vulnerable in our society, including foodbanks, financial mentoring and counselling, addiction services, supported accommodation and Positive Lifestyle Programmes. 

Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said, “Our partnership with the Salvation Army means we can assist fellow Kiwis who are struggling. Our community is incredibly important to us and helping the Salvation Army raise money and awareness is something we take pride in – we encourage everyone to support the Red Shield Appeal.” 

“This appeal also offers fans the opportunity to win ‘money can’t buy’ experiences with some of the biggest names in rugby,” said Lee. 

From May 11, the Hurricanes will auction 4 items (1 per week for 4 weeks) across Trade Me. Auction items including signed Jerseys and meet and greets with TJ Perenara and Ardie Savea. There is also an opportunity for keen golfers to have a round of golf with Jordie Barrett or Tyrel Lomax. 

In addition to the auction items, Hurricanes players will also roll up their sleeves to support a Wellington-based Salvation Army Family Store with volunteer work in-store and preparing donated items for sale. 

“In a time when the cost of living keeps on rising and more people are needing help, the support of rugby players and their fans is a welcome reinforcement for our vital social services,” says Salvation Army Public Relations Director, Tim Hamilton. 

In the past year, up to the end of March 2022, The Salvation Army provided 80,587 food parcels to vulnerable families around Aotearoa, while its Family Stores saves around 16,000 tonnes from the landfill each year. 

Hurricanes Trade Me Auctions can be found here.