MidCentral DHB and the champion Manawatu Turbos are again partnering up to promote the smokefree message and raise money for a great cause.
For the last two years, MidCentral DHB has been working with the Manawatu Turbos to promote the smokefree message to local communities, as we work toward a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025. The Turbos will continue to sport the smokefree logo on the playing field and their shirts, along with the return of half time health messages. As part of spreading this message, they will visit Feilding High School and Awatapu College to meet the students, talk to them, and give them a chance to take part in their training.
Another returning item from previous seasons is the ‘Charity Jersey Game’ fundraising initiative. Each year the Turbos wear a specially designed jersey, and sell them to benefit a great cause. In 2013 it went toward the purchasing of new televisions for the children’s ward, last year it went to buying comfortable recliner chairs for parents in the neonatal unit, and this year it will go to child development services to purchase at least one electric wheelchair for the service’s patients to use.
The unique jersey for this game will be designed by the children themselves, and will be available for purchase closer to the time. An additional fundraiser will be held at Downtown Cinemas, where a cinema will be reserved to have a live showing of a Turbos away game. The proceeds from that showing will also go to the child development service.
MDHB’s Portfolio Manager Children, Youth & Intersectoral Partnerships Barb Bradnock is excited to be working with the Turbos for another season.
She said: “Our relationship with the Turbos has been a great one over the past couple of seasons. They’re a great bunch of people who are just aiming to give back to the community, and help spread a very important health message. They’re a real support to the children in our services, and I’m hoping that everyone will get in behind them as they go for the premiership this year.”
Turbos Captain Callum Gibbins said it was great for the team to be involved another great initiative: “We are in a privileged position to be able to help people in our community like this. The jersey game is one all the players look forward too and to be able to then see what a difference it has made to people’s lives after the season is humbling. It would be great to get as many people there as possible.”
The Manawatu Turbos will run out in this year’s Charity Jersey when they take on Canterbury in their second home game of the season.
Manawatu Turbos vs. Canterbury, 7.35pm Thursday 3 September, FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945