100k donation for Linwood College rugby club early Christmas present for eastern suburbs

Christmas has come a day or two early for the Linwood College Rugby Football Club and the eastern suburbs community it represents. An anonymous donor has made a $100,000 donation to the club following its launch of an ambitious rugby programme for eastern suburbs youth in early December.

Linwood College Principal, Margaret Paiti says, “This is a tremendous way to end a very hard year for the school and our community. We are committed to building successful futures and the rugby club helps us extend opportunities to harness talents that are available to our pupils academically, culturally and in sport. We’re welcoming all youth to play so it’s a real boost for not just the school but the whole community.”

This year the school had a team in top level competition for the first time in almost 20 years and aims to field a team in the Press Cup rugby competition for secondary schools in 2015/6. The newly formed club is open to all eastern suburbs youth under 18 years.

Club Captain Paul Sapsford was stunned by the news,” We are very humbled by the donation and the prospect of fulfilling the dream of high quality rugby for young men and women in the eastern suburbs. We had a goal of raising at least $80,000 for seed funding for our five year plan to field a Press Cup team, so $100,000 is an absolutely fantastic start to our journey.”

Margaret Paiti says, “We’re not aware of the donor's identity and would like to acknowledge the behind the scenes support of our local MP Lianne Dalziel. Our understanding is that our collaborative plan to provide a comprehensive development pathway for all youth in the eastern suburbs, not just Linwood College, was a key factor in receiving the donation."

The donation was directed through The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

Paul Sapsford says, "This foundation donation guarantees the club's long term financial future and allows us to continue to fund raise towards meeting the operating costs a Press Cup team.”

“We’ve also received fantastic encouragement and support from the Linwood Rugby Club, All Black legend Tane Norton and Hamish Riach and the team at the CRFU. So, we’re well placed to make a very real difference to many boys and girls in the eastern suburbs.”

Plans for the club to enter three boys’ teams and one girls’ team next year will now be a reality. The club will hold an information day in the New Year for youth and their families interesting in playing rugby.

Information on the club and how to aid fundraising efforts and is available on the Linwood College website http://www.linwoodcollege.school.nz