Community supports stricken family

TE  KŪITI’s rugby community is stepping up this weekend in support of the Sheehan children who survived the South Island car crash that killed their parents on August 28.

The stalls open at 10.30am and the rugby games kick off at the same time. There is a pre-sold hangi to pick up at 4pm followed by an auction at 4.30pm in the Waitete clubrooms.

The gold coin entry to the field also gives access to the stalls selling baking, general produce, sausage sizzle steak sandwiches, juices, drinks bacon and egg burgers hair braiding, face painting, and a (sold out) batons up raffle and auction.

Andrew Francis Sheehan and his wife, Kreshar Danielle Sheehan, (nee Fruean), pictured, died at the scene south of Dunedin.

Their three younger children Cruz, Kapri and Boston and the driver of the other vehicle, John Banbury, were critically injured and taken to Dunedin Hospital. Mr Banbury, a Whakatāne accountant, died the following day.

The injured children are now living with relatives and had returned to school in Te Kūiti, Waitete Rugby Club under-13s head coach Jared Needham said.

“For me as a coach, we are blessed in the way parents involved in the under-13 side have rallied together. It is being driven by quite a few parents, a good day is organised for Saturday.”

He said donated goods for the auction so far included a West Tigers’ rugby league jersey, Chiefs jersey and Waitomo District councillor Eddie Manawaiti had donated a BOP jersey signed by Sam Cane.

The King Country Rugby Union’s development officer Dan Tasker had organised the game side of it for the day, Jared said.

Many ocal businesses have also contributed to the auction.

“We are fortunate being in a small town, it touches the heart of everyone when something of this devastation happens.

“Many local businesses and families have already donated money and food items for our fundraising day, which we are very grateful for.

“Lots of people are really getting behind the organisation of this day including King Country Rugby.

“We all want to make this day a huge success and raise as much money as we can for the Sheehan family.

“So please come on down to enjoy some local rugby, good kai and show your support to Payton, Cruz, Kapri and Boston Sheehan and their extended family.”

Dan said under-9s, under-11s and under 13s games had been organised.

A secondary schools match between, Te Kūiti High School and Ōtorohanga College first XV, will be followed by a senior game.

Cruz’s older brother Payton Sheehan plays for the Te Kūiti High.