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A big crowd turned out at the Warkworth Showgrounds for a special fundraiser for 23-year-old Fin Paddison, who suffered life-changing injuries when a glass balcony at his Airbnb in Queenstown gave way and he fell three storeys earlier this year.
Held on Saturday, September 20, the event was a huge success – more than $33,000 was raised for Fin and his family.
Fin was able to attend part of the day, joined by family and friends who were moved by the community’s generosity.
More than 40 prizes were auctioned in silent and live auctions
His cousin Poppy Stenbeck said they had been overwhelmed by the support.
“We can’t believe the generosity from our awesome community and would like to thank each and every one of you. We’re so humbled to be part of this community,” she said.
Mahurangi RFC committee member and duty manager on the day, Sam Ryburn, said it was an awesome turnout.
“Every dollar counts – money raised from the raffles, sausage sizzle, drinks and food sales, and live auctions all goes straight to Fin and his family. They’ve had a pretty tough year,” he said
Hosted by Mahurangi RFC, the drawcard was a hard-fought rugby match between the Mahu Golden Oldies and the Parliamentary Rugby Team (PRT), which travelled to Warkworth for the contest.
MPs Peeni Henare pulled on the boots as captain and Tom Rutherford was referee, while Grant McCallum and Jenny Marcroft lent their support from the sidelines.
It was a tight contest, with PRT eventually edging Mahurangi 10–7.
PRT physio Alyssa Gordon said it was the toughest game the team had had all year.
“But it was played in great spirit. All the PRT members commented on what a great club and community we have here at Mahurangi. It was awesome to see so many people turn up to support Fin,” she said.
The Mahu U21 team also went down in tough match against rivals Silverdale.
To finish, Kaipara Flats Netball faced off against a scratch side of wives, girlfriends and sponsors of the PRT, including Skye Kimura (partner of Henare), after the NZ Parliamentary Netball Team pulled out.
In a Facebook post, Rutherford summed up the spirit of the day.
“Events like this show what makes New Zealand special – people coming together when someone needs us most.”
To support Fin and his family visit: https://tinyurl.com/55umckws
