Monday, Jan 20, 2020
Since Sept 27, 1879
Retail $2.20 Home delivered from $1.40
THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
Fans of all ages flocked to the Ashburton Showgrounds to cheer on the Crusaders in their first game in Ashburton. PHOTO HEATHER MACKENZIE 180120-HM-0724
Bereaved dad on a mission P4
On a crusade with a big heart By Jaime Pitt-MacKay Jaime.p@theguardian.co.nz
North Otago too good P17
The first game to be held in Ashburton between two Super Rugby sides has been heralded as a success, with a local mental health programme getting a financial boost from the game. $7300 was raised for Safer Mid Canterbury’s Life’s Worth Living programme from the Crusaders’ pre-season match against the Hurricanes at the Ashburton Showgrounds on Saturday. Through an initiative between the Crusaders and the Ashburton District Council, the Crusaders agreed to donate $1 for every ticket sold, with the council matching the figure raised. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said the organisation had been thrilled
to be able to support the initiative. “If you think about this centre in dealing with rural communities and the agribusiness sector it is under a bit of pressure at the moment in terms of government policy and then mycoplasma bovis has been particularly difficult for this region,” he said. “Talking to (Ashburton District Council CEO) Hamish (Riach), I understand suicide stats are atrocious around this area, so for us it’s probably our first chance to crusade with some heart, really excited to be able to support that.” The crowd attending the game at the Ashburton Showgrounds reached between 3600 and 4000. Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said it was good to see the game get the turn-
out it did and that the funds raised will make a positive impact with the Life’s Worth Living programme. Mid Canterbury Rugby chief executive Ian Patterson said the day had gone well with a good turnout and great weather providing a good day. “I have already gotten plenty of positive feedback so far,” he said. “The Crusaders’ match day operations team handle most of the organising and we did the rest with a fair bit of work with the A&P association and Ashburton District Council who were very helpful.”
CONTINUED
P3
Local news for local people Mid Canterbury’s only locally-owned daily newspaper
Don’t miss out - a villa for sale • A relaxed lifestyle
• A spectacular location
• Fabulous amenities
Call Donna Coxshall (Facility Manager) today on 03 307 6140
PHONE 03 307 6140 | 37 CARTERS TERRACE TINWALD, Ashburton 7700 | www.terraceview.co.nz
Ph 03 307 7900 to subscribe!