Tyree Walters, 6, unwraps his gift from PlayStation NZ much to the delight of his 3-year-old sister Marli. Photo / John Stone
Tyree Walters, 6, unwraps his gift from PlayStation NZ much to the delight of his 3-year-old sister Marli. Photo / John Stone
As the wrapping was torn off to reveal a brand new PlayStation 4, 6-year-old Tyree Walters was quick to filter through the pack of goodies.
"Hang on, one of favourite game's here," he said.
And of course the first thing he wanted to do was get the new machine plugged in so he could practise the game No Man's Sky.
The generous donation came from PlayStation NZ after they learned about Tyree's nightmare run over the past few days. The package included a hat, toy, games and a new PS4.
The company did not want to comment but were happy they could help Tyree.
As Tyree lay in Whangarei Hospital over the weekend after a dog attack last Friday left him with serious facial injuries, thieves went through his Hikurangi home and stole bags, clothes, food and a precious PlayStation 3.
The PS3 stored songs collected by Tyree's father, Reece Walters, who died suddenly three years ago. The youngster treasured the gaming console and frequently listened to the music which linked him to his father.
And while the generous donation from PlayStation NZ, which was delivered to him yesterday, has softened the cruel blow Tyree still wants his late father's one returned.
"I need them to give it back because I need to protect dad's one."
Mum Jess Wood said the community and online support had been awesome and had helped the family deal with the horror of the past few days.
"Thank you so much to everyone. It's so nice to know there are so many good people out there," Ms Wood said.
"I hope the people who did this have been reading all the stuff in the paper and online and are feeling guilty and give back the PlayStation."
PlayStation NZ come to the party and donate a PS4 and games to Hikurangi boy Tyree Walters. Photo / John Stone
She had contacted a friend who had loaded the bulk of music on to the stolen PS3 and was hoping the songs could be uploaded on to the new PS4.
Tyree was on the mend with the 30 stitches, most in his right cheek, healing well. He was on antibiotics and was due to have the stitches out on Monday.
Staff from the Northern Advocate and The Hits Northland hit the streets of Hikurangi on Wednesday to deliver flyers appealing for the return of the PlayStation.
More than 200 flyers were put in letterboxes asking for the PlayStation to be left at any police station or at the Northern Advocate office in Roberts St. But at edition time yesterday there had been no sign of it.
Generous Northern Advocate readers have donated $500 and some people from as far as Hamilton have offered help after reading the story online.
