Rugby fans bonus for brain injury fundraising

Gerry Morris (left) with Kiana and Brett Morris with Nonu. Photo / Paul Taylor

For volunteers, and several people whose everyday lives are supported by the Brain Injury Association of Hawke's Bay, it wasn't too bad a day to take their pooches for a walk in the park.

The weather behaved itself pretty well and a park is always a popular place for a stroll.

The fact that more than 6000 other people also decided to spend the late afternoon at the park was not a problem - in fact, it was a blessing, as the association was staging a fundraising collection.

Funding is a crucial and constant part of the association.

McLean Park was the venue for the Magpies clash with Northland in the ITM Cup and the Ranfurly Shield, as well as for the collection.

Brain Injury Association Hawke's Bay has provided advocacy, education support and lifestyle programmes to people with brain injuries, and their families, for more than 20 years.

It operates Headway House in Hastings where a wide range of activities are staged from arts and crafts and cooking through to quizzes and exercise lessons.

The exercise yesterday was in walking the dog at the park and collecting for the cause - as well as supporting the Magpies. The association was to carry out the count-up from the collection today.