The Wellington Phoenix are pleased to be able to donate $8,000 towards the work of the Royal New Zealand Returned & Services’ Association (RNZRSA), following a fundraiser they ran last season as part of their ANZAC Day match.
Match Week 18 saw the Phoenix win 2-1 versus Adelaide United at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on 25 April 2021 – with all match-worn playing shirts from that game signed and auctioned off on TradeMe. The 17 shirts up for auction raised $8,000 in total, setting a new record for funds raised by the Club for RSA.
Yesterday, Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome met with RSA National President BJ Clark to deliver the good news. Dome says that it is an honour for the Club to be able to assist the RSA in this way.
“The Phoenix have a long history of supporting charities like the RSA and we’re committed to giving back to the community where we can,” says Dome.
“This is the third year we’ve supported RSA in this way, and it’s a chance for our Club to both acknowledge those who currently serve and remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in their service, as well as to support the great work that RSA does throughout New Zealand.
“It’s rewarding for our staff and players to know that our efforts as a Club, can help make a difference for some of our veterans and serving staff who need support.”
Clark says that the ANZAC Day auction was a ‘fantastic initiative’ by the Wellington Phoenix.
“There are more than 40,000 veterans in New Zealand, and more than 30,000 young New Zealanders have become veterans by virtue of military service overseas since the 1970s,” said Clark.
“Kiwis have deployed to every corner of the earth in the last three decades and it is the RSA’s job to help those who need assistance, and plenty do, so this donation from the Phoenix is very welcome.
“I want to thank the club, the fans and everyone who bid in this auction for your support which is very much appreciated.”
About the RSA
Royal New Zealand Returned & Services’ Association manages a support network to assist all those affected by military service for New Zealand, both current and former personnel. This extends to the families of those who served too.
The RSA support network is dedicated to providing welfare and assistance, from our eldest military service personnel to our youngest Kiwis. This is done by mobilising a network of hard-working RSA volunteers located in towns and cities all across NZ and providing an array of support services and resources for those in need.
