Crusaders roll up their sleeves at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre
Today the entire Crusaders team and staff headed over the hill to Governors Bay, rolling up our sleeves for a working bee at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, a place that’s been a sanctuary for Canterbury tamariki for 100 years.
Cholmondeley has cared for more than 33,000 children since Hugh Heber Cholmondeley gifted his home and land in 1925. They provide free, 24/7 short-term respite care for children aged 5-12.
For a whole century, their mission hasn’t changed: to provide a safe, fun space for kids while the adults in their lives navigate tough times. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with us – community, care, and creating opportunities for young people.
More than 80 of us spent the afternoon getting stuck in: gardening, painting, bike track maintenance, and helping upgrade the playground. We also joined the tamariki for games, arts and crafts, and some time in the kitchen cooking their meals.
Cholmondeley Interim General Manager, Katie McCullough, said the visit was deeply meaningful in a milestone year.
“As we celebrate one hundred years of caring for Canterbury children, having the Crusaders alongside us means a great deal. Their values of teamwork, treating others with respect, and a commitment to kindness are qualities our tamariki look up to," she says.
"Seeing the smiles and laughter on their faces as they enjoyed the day showed us that this was an experience they will never forget, and that the impact of adults showing up in this way lasts far beyond the moment itself.”
Team Manager Aaron Webb says days like this remind us why we do what we do.
“It’s amazing to be out in the community helping where we can. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and knowing we’ve made a difference – that’s what it’s all about. Rugby is important but so is showing up for our people.”
This visit was about celebrating Cholmondeley’s milestone year and standing alongside an organisation that shares our values of connection, kindness, and looking after our own.
Running Cholmondeley Children’s Centre costs over $2.7M per year, and only 20% of that comes from government funding. The rest has to be raised through the generosity of the community to keep the lights on and ensure their service remains free for tamariki and whānau who need it.
As part of their centenary celebrations, Cholmondeley has launched Give a Hundy (www.giveahundy.co.nz) a digital campaign to raise $100,000 to help Cholmondeley as it enters its next 100 years.
For 100 years, Cholmondeley has been here for Canterbury kids when they need it most. But they can’t do it without you.
They're asking their community to give a hundy ($100), or whatever you can afford, to help them be around for another century.
