FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9 JUNE 2006

Not Just the Test Match Kicking Off in Hamilton on Saturday

It is not just the All Blacks v Ireland Test that kicks off in Hamilton this Saturday; it’s also the first of the Save the Children collections at All Blacks’ Test matches.

Save the Children New Zealand is the official charity of the All Blacks. We are working with the team at every New Zealand Test this year to raise funds for education projects around the world. On Saturday the people of Hamilton will get a chance to help some of the 100 million children worldwide that are unable to go to school.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry says giving children access to quality education helps build a positive future for them and their communities.

The All Blacks are committed to helping Save the Children to give more children access to quality education. They are encouraging fans at Waikato Stadium give generously on Saturday night.

“A small donation from any of us, can make a huge difference for children in countries where poverty is part of daily life,” said Henry.

Save the Children Executive Director John Bowis noted that $30 will train four preschool teachers in Sri Lanka.

Mr Bowis says education unlocks children’s potential, and it is great to see the Waikato Rugby Union being so supportive of the collection at their Stadium.

"We are committed to ensuring disadvantaged boys and girls have the opportunity to go to school. By denying children their right to education we deprive them of the chance to lay the groundwork for a happy, healthy and successful life and that is a tragedy," John Bowis said.

Save the Children New Zealand is the leading independent aid agency in New Zealand focused upon creating lasting improvements to the lives of children in need around the world.

Donations to Save the Children can be made by calling our freephone number: 0800 167 168 or visiting www.savethechildren.org.nz.

ENDS

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