Stacey Jones to Tackle New Role with Camp Quality

Stacey Jones to Tackle New Role with Camp Quality

Long time Warriors and Kiwis halfback Stacey Jones will soon be mixing with people his own size as he tackles a new role – and he can’t wait.

The former league legend is the new ambassador for children’s charity Camp Quality NZ, a not for profit volunteer organisation dedicated to bringing fun, hope and happiness to the lives of children living with cancer and their families.

The ‘Little General’ will hit the ground running at a week of events during Camp Quality NZ’s national awareness week from April 14-21.

“I’m really looking forward to this and having a run around with some of the kids,” says Stacey. “It’ll make a nice change from getting whacked around by big props and second rowers,” he says.

Stacey, who has recently returned from France with his wife and young family after a spell of pro-league, says becoming the ambassador for an organisation that helps children living with cancer was “one of the easiest decisions I’ve had to make.”

“As a dad of a young family, I understand it could easily be one of my kids,” says Stacey. “Camp Quality makes a huge difference to those children and families affected by cancer. It is an honour to be a part of that,” he says.

Camp Quality NZ Chairman Jim Grierson says Stacey has “already adopted the role of ambassador with the same dedication he has demonstrated in his very successful rugby league career. It is a pleasure to welcome a person of Stacey’s stature to our Camp Quality family.”

During Camp Quality NZ’s national awareness week, fund raising events will be put on by Lions Clubs - their key partners in the programme - other service organisations and schools throughout New Zealand.

Mr Grierson says “Each year at a cost of more than $500,000 we deliver, through the commitment of our 500 volunteers and willing helpers, fun programmes for children living with cancer. There is nothing more humbling than seeing the great big smiles on their faces at our various activities.”

According to Child Cancer Foundation statistics, about 150 young New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year. Camp Quality passionately believes in the power of fun to help these children and their families overcome the challenges cancer brings.

Camp Quality held its first New Zealand camp in 1986 and now holds camps annually in five regions throughout the country. Each year more than 300 children aged 5 to 16 attend one of the camps.

“The goal is to provide the campers with fun and comradeship combined with achievable challenges to encourage them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives,” says Mr Grierson.

Camp Quality strives to provide a safe and secure environment for the young campers involving one-on-one support and a commitment to high standards of excellence in training their volunteers and in organising their activities.

ENDS

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