Police Charity Auction: Bumper haul up for grabs

HAUL: Sergeant Phil Wilkinson with some of the items up for grabs tonight. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

A haul of sporting memorabilia is up for grabs at tonight's police charity auction, with gear to please fans of most codes.

Among prizes for auction are a signed boxing glove from Joseph Parker, a signed jersey in a box set from Sir Colin Meads, a signed OKC singlet from Steve Adams, a limited edition tribute to Muhammad Ali framed print, a framed All Black jersey from Richie McCaw, a golf ball from Lydia Ko, squash racket and squash club membership from Dame Susan Devoy, signed cycling shirts from local cyclist Julian Dean, Sarah Walker and Trent Jones and many more special sporting items.

Also included in the bumper auction are a host of adventure activities, photography packages, art, fishing charters, travel and accommodation prizes, spa packages, clothing, food and drink vouchers.

Rotorua Police Sergeant Phil Wilkinson is humbled by the level of support for the auction which aims to raise funds to establish a Police Welfare Fund.

The first recipient of the auction will be Rotorua detective Steve Allpress, who is undergoing treatment for terminal brain cancer. Steve and his wife Kylie have four children and 80 per cent of tonight's fundraiser will go towards supporting this family, while the rest is put into the newly established fund.

About 120 local sponsors are supporting the event and have donated $35,000 worth of prizes.

"They are still coming in and several business have actually approached us offering prizes," he said.

"It's humbling for the police and it shows the level of support for the work we do. It has been fantastic."

Guest speaker is All Black legend Michael Jones who has been described by one All Black coach as "almost the perfect rugby player". He will be joined by tonight's MC, Rob Lemoto from Police Ten 7.

Entertainment includes singer Kelly Makiha, "who committed to this event for Steve without hesitation," said Sergeant Wilkinson. Bailey Howard, 19, will also sing.

Tickets are still available for tonight's event, although the vast majority have sold.

All those involved in the entertainment, including speakers and MC, audio visual and lighting, room decoration from Activities Unlimited are helping free of charge, said Sergeant Wilkinson.

The fund will be used to help sworn and non-sworn staff and their family members who suffered trauma, illness or injury.

Tickets can be bought from www.nduro.co.nz or by using the "book now" link on the Rotorua Police Welfare Fund Facebook page.

What: Rotorua Police Charity Night and Auction
Where: Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre
When: Friday 5.30pm - 11.30pm
Buy Tickets - 07 213 1809, GA $75