NZ Embassy and Suttonians RFC Fundraiser

Suttonians RFC, Variety Ireland and New Zealand Embassy Unite to Support St Michael’s House

One of Leinster’s leading rugby clubs, Suttonians RFC, recently joined forces with Variety Ireland and the New Zealand Embassy in Ireland to raise funds for a special mobility trike for members of St Michael’s House in Baldoyle, Co Dublin.

The event, organised by Suttonians RFC and the New Zealand Embassy, saw more than 100 Suttonians supporters join New Zealand Ambassador Angie Hassan-Sharp, UK Ambassador to Ireland Kate Owen and Japan’s Ambassador to Ireland Miyagawa Manabu to watch the All Blacks take on Ireland last July.

New Zealand Ambassador Angie Hassan-Sharp kindly organised a special raffle showcasing some of the best New Zealand products available here in Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of those who purchased raffle tickets on the day, enough money was raised to purchase a special mobility trike for St Michael’s Special School in the local area of Baldoyle, which caters for people with additional needs.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Angie Hassan-Sharp said she was delighted to use such an exciting occasion — the meeting of the All Blacks and Ireland rugby teams — as an opportunity to raise money for children with additional needs in the local Suttonians community.

Ambassador Angie Hassan-Sharp commented: “This is such a great event to organise, where not only can we showcase some of the best products that New Zealand has to offer, but more importantly, partner with Variety Ireland and Suttonians RFC to raise money for St Michael’s Special School in the local vicinity, where 100% of the money raised goes towards purchasing a special mobility bike. ”
“It’s so important and heart-warming to see people with additional needs being included in something as simple as cycling activities, which most of us take for granted. It is truly wonderful, and I would like to thank Variety Ireland, Gerry and Emer, and all the members of Suttonians RFC.”

President of Suttonians RFC, Gerry Usher, said: “This is another proud day for our club, and we are delighted to work with Ambassador Angie Hassan-Sharp and her dedicated team. Our members here at Suttonians have yet again stepped up to show their generosity and help people with additional needs in our local area. “The fact that all the money raised here today will go towards a special mobility trike is brilliant, as our patrons get to see where their donation is being spent and who is going to benefit.”
“Variety Ireland does tremendous work in helping people with additional needs here locally and across the country, and we are delighted to work alongside them. We hope to see even more people with additional needs from St Michael’s House cycling past our gates and enjoying the benefits of cycling.”

Kevin O’Brien from Variety Ireland said: “We at Variety Ireland would sincerely like to thank Ambassador Angie Hassan-Sharp, Ceire and Daryl from the New Zealand Embassy, along with Gerry and Emer and all the members of Suttonians RFC, for stepping in to raise money for a special mobility bike that is going to benefit so many wonderful people at St Michael’s House in Baldoyle.”
“It’s great that everyone who donated to the raffle gets to see where 100% of the money goes. As Gerry from Suttonians mentioned, it will be lovely to see so many members of St Michael’s House getting to cycle past and drop in to the club on their new set of wheels. Our special mobility bikes promote independence, confidence, exercise, social inclusion and enjoyment for people with additional needs. “Well done to everyone involved in helping to change more lives with additional needs for the better. Thank you!!”