BLACKCAPS to “Pitch In” with autographed shirts from epic Test

The BLACKCAPS will auction off two signed shirts from the historic Test match against England in Wellington to help raise funds for those communities devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle and future disasters.

ANZ NZ and New Zealand Cricket have combined forces to assist the New Zealand Red Cross New Zealand Disaster Fund, dedicating the opening ODI of the Sri Lanka-BLACKCAPS ODI series (at Eden Park on Sunday, 25 March) to raising funds for those adversely affected by the weather events.

The fundraising initiative, to be known as “Pitch In”, will start with ANZ NZ donating $1m to the cause and NZC donating all ticket sales from the match.

Public can text DONATE to 540 to receive a link to the donation site, with funds going directly to the New Zealand Red Cross New Zealand Disaster Fund.

BLACKCAPS Test captain Tim Southee said being able to donate two of the shirts from the famous Test match – just the second in history to be won by a solitary run and the fourth by a team asked to follow-on, would hopefully motivate bidders to get hold of something unique, while also helping out their fellow Kiwis.

“The players really wanted to do something to help so we got together with a few of the England players and secured a signed shirt from each the BLACKCAPS and England sides to auction off.

“We encourage people to get along to the match; make it a sell-out, and play a part in helping the many Kiwis who’ve been so badly impacted.”

ANZ NZ chief executive Antonia Watson said sport had a unifying effect and “Pitch In” was a great way for Kiwis to come together and build on an already phenomenal effort.

“We’re delighted to partner with New Zealand Cricket to present this special cricket match to help re-energise fundraising efforts and create another moment to help rally New Zealanders to donate - if they are in a position to do so,” said Antonia.

New Zealand Red Cross General Manager Engagement & Enterprise Shane Chisholm says his organisation was proud to be teaming up with ANZ NZ and NZC to support those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and to help ensure Aotearoa New Zealand was well prepared for emergencies in the future.

“ANZ “Pitch In” will directly support the New Zealand Disaster Fund and help ensure we are ready to deploy our people and to supply specialist disaster response equipment and technical expertise at a moment’s notice, anywhere across the country,” said Mr Chisholm.

Those wishing to contribute could visit: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/search?member_listing=4044079&bof=IQVfjpuF to bid on the Test shirts, with the auction closing at 7pm on Sunday 19 March

Tickets for the fund-raising match could be purchased at https://tickets.nzc.nz/content/nzc/matches

Text DONATE to 540

For media enquiries contact Briar McCormack 021 2801173

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