Police hunt supporters for charity

Tauranga police have launched the annual CIB charity luncheon fundraiser and are calling for the public’s help in donating auctionable goods and services.

Local charities are also being invited to send in applications explaining what they do and why they need funds.

People are being asked to support the Police Charity Luncheon by either donating goods for auction or attending the night.

Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell says police are keen to hear from local charities wanting to be considered as benefactors of the event.

The master of ceremonies for this year’s event will be Kerri Woodham, who is the first woman guest speaker for the event.

Former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes will also be a guest speaker at the October 12 event.

Since the launch of the first luncheon in 1995 as a police social club fundraiser, the event has grown to become one of New Zealand’s top fundraising events with more than $1,000,000 being raised for charitable trusts across New Zealand.

Pete says the event sells out each year, so this year police have given people plenty of warning.

“We have already sold half of the tables, so people wanting to come on the night need to get in fast.”

So far, organisers have managed to score guitars signed by the Little River Band and Doobie Brothers, which will be part of the auction.

Pete says a 10 per cent share of the winnings of a racehorse from a Waikato stud will be up for grabs, and should prove popular as in previous years.

Other items of interest include sporting memorabilia, including an All Blacks jersey signed by the 1987 Rugby World Cup winning team, as well as a jersey signed by the 2011 winning Rugby World Cup team.

People wanting to book a table or donate auction items are being asked to email info@taurangapolicecharity.co.nz

Applications can be sent to Peter Blackwell, Tauranga Police Station, PO Box 144, Tauranga.

For more information on the auction visit http://taurangapolicecharity.co.nz/