NZRU and BNZ kick off Plunket’s Appeal

Media Release
5 March 2012
For immediate release

NZRU and BNZ kick off Plunket’s Appeal

Plunket’s March Appeal kicked off in spectacular fashion over the weekend with New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams taking to the field wearing special Plunket charity jerseys.

Plunket’s Principle sponsor, the BNZ, is also in its third year as major sponsor of New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams.

Plunket CEO Jenny Prince says that Plunket could not have dreamed of a better way to start their Appeal.

“BNZ and the NZRU are great friends to us and we’re so thankful to both organisations for their support.

“All Plunket’s services are free to all families so we’re heavily reliant on funds raised during our Appeal.

“We cancelled our February 2011 Appeal to enable our focus to remain on supporting families in Christchurch. This had a large impact on our financial resources and programmes around the country.

“For the BNZ to offer to sacrifice their logo in favour of Plunket’s is just so remarkable. It will, I am very sure, help to make our 2012 Appeal one of the most successful yet!”

The unique logo swap took place at the two local derby matches between the Chiefs and the Blues on March 2 and the Highlanders and the Crusaders on March 3.

BNZ CEO Andrew Thorburn says the bank has a proud history of working with Plunket and is keen to acknowledge how important it is to New Zealand families.

“Plunket has been working with New Zealanders for more than 100 years. Nine out of every 10 kiwi babies are Plunket babies.

“At BNZ we’re working to strengthen our communities, and as principal sponsor, hoping to bring more attention to this deserving organisation during its appeal week.”

NZRU’s General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said that it was great that the Super Rugby franchises were able to support BNZ and Plunket by wearing the specially designed Plunket Charity jerseys.

“This is a fantastic initiative and one that we were delighted to get behind, as were all our franchises, SANZAR as the competition managers, and our apparel sponsor adidas.”

Jerseys from the Chiefs, Blues, Crusaders and Highlanders are now up for auction on Trade Me, with all proceeds going to Plunket.

You can also support Plunket’s appeal by visiting www.plunket.org.nz or at any BNZ store where, when you donate $10 or more, you can get your very own Plunket bear to cuddle.

ENDS

© Scoop Media