Fundraiser fun for rescue helicopter

With the money raised approaching $7000 and still a lot more to come, Woodville football is thrilled with its Kicks4Kevin fundraiser over the weekend.

Playing 24 hour-long games, the campaign to raise money for the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter caught the imagination of the district and Manawatu¯ , with Amory Yarwood bringing a Marist team over to play two matches when they were needed in the wee small hours of Sunday morning.

Dannevirke Squash took on Pahiatua Squash because the late Kevin Hanks had been an avid player, but most of the Pahiatua team also came back to play in the early morning as well.

But it was mostly locals who took part, with never being a shortage of players and many playing multiple times.

This included Elizabeth

Laws — recipient of the Kevin Hanks Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship last season — who played the most games.

She played 15 throughout the 24 hours, admitting she was “a bit stiff and sore” as she received a new football signed by the Football Ferns.

The Pahiatua and Woodville Youth groups turned up to play at 2am.

The nature of the event changed over the 24 hours. It was hot during Saturday until a heavy shower and cold snap hit about 9pm, drenching the players who continued to play on.

The weather settled after half an hour and the lights donated by Tararua Alliance gave enough light to see throughout the night.

For the whole 24 hours Andrea Herbert ran her Tonic coffee making operation, donating time and ingredients, with donations for drinks going to the cause.

She said like most people she knew Kevin well and this was her way of repaying his contribution to the local community.

An anonymous sponsor offered a dollar per goal scored and this tallied to 161 over the 24 hours, showing players were not simply going through the motions.

Secretary for Woodville Football Virginia Laws said the whole experience was wonderful, the sponsors had been extraordinarily generous, the players and supporters who came along great and she was proud to have been a part of it.

How it all ended.

Kobin Hanks placed the ball. How it all started on Saturday morning just before 9am. The referee leads out the two teams.

Early action in game one — Hanks Family V BAFTAH (Bush Area Families Teaching At Home).

(Right): Elizabeth Laws receives a new football signed by the Football Ferns from Woodville Football Club President Troy Leggatt for playing the most hours — 15 — throughout the fundraiser.

Constable Karl Williams referees the final game between the Hanks Family and the Football Club Committee.