06/09/2006

Former All Black And SKYCITY Security Officer Score For Kidz First

Former All Black, Ant Strachan’s winning form in a ‘kick for cash’ charity challenge at Eden Park last Friday not only delighted rugby fans - it contributed to a $5000 win for Kidz First Centre for Youth Health.

At half time, Strachan kicked four balls and Junior Muaiava, a SKYCITY staff member, kicked one ball to score for Kidz First Centre for Youth Health. SKYCITY had pledged to donate $1000 for each of five kicks that went over the goal posts.

Although four of the five goals were successful, (three out of four by Strachan and the one by Muaiava), SKYCITY has donated the full amount of $5000 to the charity.

“The ‘kick for cash’ promotion at half time was a fun way to show SKYCITY’s support for both Auckland Rugby and for Kidz First. Junior did us proud,” says SKYCITY General Manager Communications, Megan McSweeney.

The Kidz First Centre for Youth Health is just one of the services of the Counties Manukau District Health Board’s children’s hospital. It is an outreach centre that promotes healthy development of young people through education services, training and research.

Junior Muaiava said he was thrilled and relieved his kick went over for Kidz First and that he had been excited ever since name was pulled out of the draw at SKYCITY, where he works in the security department, to do the kick.

“It was a real rush to kick the ball over and I realised how fortunate I am that my child is healthy. Having the chance to earn something for kids who aren’t so lucky was just awesome.”