Pike River Families Committee
PRESS RELEASE
Sunday 21 August 2011
Pike Families Busy Fundraising
Two 2011 All Blacks jerseys signed by 24 of the current squad are being auctioned on Trade Me. It is the latest venture
by the Pike River Families Fundraising Sub-committee to raise funds towards the recovery of the 29 men who tragically
lost their lives in the Pike River Mine disaster on 19 November 2011.
“All Blacks supporters around the world now have a chance to purchase this collector’s item while contributing to a
worthwhile cause”, says Mequa Hourston, member of the Pike River Families Fundraising Sub-Committee.
“Wear it to the games or frame it - your choice! The auctions for the jerseys close Wednesday 24 August at 7:47pm so get
bidding!”
The families of these men are not only raising funds to help assist in the recovery of their men but also to help assist
financially towards their legal representation at the Royal Commission as this is not fully funded by the Government.
“Friends and family are all pulling together to raise funds. Locally here in Greymouth events including P Money and
Concord Dawn concerts and psychic evenings have been held while across the world, as far away as Scotland fundraising
has include horse treks and sponsored walks,” says Hourston.
“Daniel Rockhouse has also donated the belt he used to rescue fellow survivor Russell Smith from the mine to be used to
raise funds. The belt is being professionally mounted and will be auctioned in the near future”.
“The Pike River Families sincerely thank everyone who has supported them through a very difficult time. The overwhelming
show of generosity has been very humbling. The Pike families still have a long road to travel. Our main priority now is
to bring our loved ones home, to get closure, give our loved ones a proper farewell and to find out what happened so it
never happens again,” says Hourston.
For link to the auctions are http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Sports-memorabilia/Rugby-union/Jerseys/auction-399611308.htm and http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Sports-memorabilia/Rugby-union/Jerseys/auction-399616356.htm
ENDS