Uawa efforts raise $3000 for cancer charity

In support: Uawa left wing Tipene Meihana passes the ball, with first five-eighth Sam Parkes backing up. They are wearing pink socks in support of cancer awareness. Picture by Meri Tuapawa

They’ve done superbly.

Uawa Sports Club members have spent the past two weekends raising $3000 for The Terrier Race Against Time registered charity on behalf of local people affected by breast cancer.

Within that, at the clubhouse on June 30, Uawa Sports Club and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mangatuna co-hosted the Uawa Pink Brunch, which netted $1500.

The 77 registered guests dined like royalty and heard from survivors (speakers Annabel Parkes and Jasmine Leach), with Hiruharama’s own Raine Karaoke as the entertainer-in-chief. Maori wardens also played a key role that Sunday, in helping those who otherwise might not have been able to attend.

“I enjoyed everything about the event,” said Diana Atkins, who attended the brunch.

“But I especially enjoyed hearing people who had been through those challenges share their personal experience.”

Annabel Parkes, a mother and grandmother, said: “It was a privilege to be asked to speak to such an amazing community, passing on to them that there are coping mechanisms; that with the right advice and support, you can beat it.”

On Saturday, the gate takings for the home game of East Coast club rugby competition leaders Uawa against No.2 team Tihirau Victory Club totalled $1053, and $220 was raised with the sale of pink socks worn by the Uawa team in that game. With donations by local people, the final figure raised was $3000.

One former Uawa coach bought socks belonging to a prop and a lock — and took possession of those, unwashed, from the Uawa dressing room.

Uawa chairman Darryl Crawford said: “Two years ago, our senior rugby team wore pink socks in memory of Kimberly Keelan-Phillips, and on Saturday we wore them again for our nannies, aunts, mums, sisters, partners, daughters and nieces. They are the inspiration for the day, because they’re the backbone of the club.”

The Terrier Race Against Time committee member Jenny Law said: “Organisations like Pink Ribbon help all New Zealanders with their investigative research. But in a local context, with the efforts of groups like the Uawa Sports Club and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mangatuna, every cent is received with gratitude and is put towards providing support packs for local people.”