An All Black who honed his early ball handling skills on the Reporoa Playcentre playground has called on his illustrious teammates to help raise funds for the rural pre-school facility.
Sam Cane, currently in Britain with the All Blacks, organised for this year's Rugby Championship winning squad to sign an All Black jersey which will be auctioned at the playcentre's annual gala day at Reporoa Rugby Club on November 22.
The jersey, framed by Sheila Turner Picture Framers, is expected to go for close to a four figure sum.
The live auction is one of a number of activities, including raffles and live music, planned for the day to raise money for maintenance and new equipment for the playcentre, said parent Hayley Hathaway.
Mrs Hathaway said the centre was keen to surpass last year's figure of $5000.
Thirty children are enrolled at the playcentre and around 20 families will be involved in the gala day.
"We have a really full day of activities planned, on top of the auction, and raffle, including sled rides, hay rides, bouncy castle, a children's beauty salon and a lucky jar dip of toys and goodies," Mrs Hathaway said.
Traditional games, such as sack races, egg and spoon races and three-legged races, will also make an appearance.
Live music will be provided during the day by Matua Grant and Dionne Bidois.
- The gala day runs from 10am to 2pm. Entry is by gold coin, going towards Reporoa's St John Ambulance.