The Crusaders Hall of Fame Charity Lunch has quickly become one of the biggest dates on the calendar – we welcome back multi-generational alumni, celebrate greatness and achievement, and raise funds and awareness for a worthwhile cause.
On 24 May 2024 more than 700 people packed a room overlooking the Ōtākaro Avon River for the event, with Youth Hub Christchurch as our charity partner.
The Crusaders have been absolutely thrilled to raise funds and awareness for Youth Hub Christchurch. Making an ever-increasing positive impact to the community we play for is the core purpose of our Crusade with Heart Foundation.
They’re embarking on a bold journey to “enable all young people in Ōtautahi the opportunity to lead healthy, safe and valued lives, fulfilling their potential and vibrantly contributing to their community”, building New Zealand’s first purpose-built Youth Hub.
Dame Sue Bagshaw: Youth Hub Christchurch
It’s designed to help all young people, especially those who have had a rough start in life, break the intergenerational cycle of adversity and give them the skills, support and confidence they need to thrive.
At the 2024 event we held both a silent and a live auction, giving people the opportunity to purchase unique sports memorabilia, exclusive trips, and one-off experiences.
We’re proud to confirm the Crusaders Hall of Fame raised $125,000 for Youth Hub Christchurch.
There’s still a chance to raise a further $20,000 for the cause. Youth Hub Christchurch have an online registry where you can donate items they need for their supported housing. Thanks to an anonymous donor, every dollar spent will be matched up to the value of $10,000. Check out the registry here.
Hall of Fame Inductees
We held our inaugural Hall of Fame Charity Lunch last year, inducting Todd Blackadder, Justin Marshall and Sir Wayne Smith – huge figures in the history and development of who we are as Crusaders today.
We were thrilled to induct three new legends to the hallowed Crusaders Hall of Fame on Friday. They all dedicated many years of their careers to the club and continue to embody the Crusader way.
They are Norm Maxwell, Leon Macdonald and Reuben Thorne.
Norm Maxwell
Crusader #21
Crusaders Hall of Fame Inductee #4
1996-2005
“It’s tough to be singled out among such an amazing group of people. It’s a team sport, a whole ecosystem needs to work for you to play the game, so in that respect, honoured yes, but I’m just one visible part of the bigger group.”
“Rugby is one thing, but doing the stuff the Crusaders do off the field, that’s the future. I’m immensely proud to be a Crusader and of what they’re beginning. So yeah, definitely an honour.”
Leon MacDonald
Crusader #37
Crusaders Hall of Fame Inductee #5
1997-2009
“It’s a proud moment. I mean, you’re talking Wayne Smith and Todd Blackadder and Justin Marshall – just to be recognised amongst those guys is hugely humbling.
“We were there right at the very start and helped with the building blocks and I’m really proud of that. I’m proud of the struggles we went through and how we came out the other end. Very proud of that era and to be involved in it.”
“That resilience, I lean on that in my personal life now, the skills I learned through those tough times, and I try to pass that on to the teams I coach and the players when they’re going through adversity as well.”
Reuben Thorne
Crusader #48
Crusaders Hall of Fame Inductee #6
1997-2008
“It’s a real privilege. The Crusaders have been a big part of my life, and to be recognised amongst this group and amongst this organisation is very special and a huge honour for me.
“I often reflect on where it started and the people who were there at the beginning for me. The people of my era were there at the start, and it’s laid the foundation for what we have today.
“I always look back and think about the people involved, what they taught us, and how we grew that culture that we know today. That was always something I will always be proud to be a part of.”
Thank you to all those who attended the 2024 Crusaders Hall of Fame Charity Lunch, for your time and your generosity, and for helping to write another chapter in the storied history of the Crusaders.
