Full Bellies’ Full House: A virtual fundraiser to fill kids’ bellies

14 Oct 2025

We’re opening the doors to One New Zealand Stadium in a way that’s never been done before, and we want you to be part of it.

Introducing the Full Bellies’ Full House, a virtual event with a very real purpose.

For just $8.50, you can purchase a virtual seat in the stadium. Every seat sold provides one school lunch for a child in need through the incredible work of Full Bellies.

This is more than a fundraiser. It’s built on the belief that no child in Canterbury should go to school hungry.

Full Bellies is a local charity that provides nutritious, ready-to-eat school lunches to children across Canterbury who would otherwise go without.

Their mission is simple – to ensure every child has the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Because no child should have to face the school day on an empty stomach.

The partnership with Full Bellies is especially meaningful for the Crusaders and their Crusade with Heart Foundation. Over the past year, both Crusaders and Matatū players, along with staff, have volunteered their time to help prepare lunches for children across Canterbury.

The forwards, led by Forwards Coach Dan Perrin, forged an even deeper connection – drawing on the cause as motivation for their maul defence throughout the season. Playing for something greater than themselves struck a powerful chord, reminding the team of the difference sport can make beyond the field.

“It’s humbling to stand alongside Full Bellies and be part of something that’s making such a real difference in our community,” says Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge.

“This campaign is about more than filling a stadium – it’s about filling hearts and bellies. We’re proud to help shine a light on the incredible work Full Bellies does every day.”

This is the first-ever event at One New Zealand Stadium and it’s going to be a sell-out.

But instead of filling the stands with fans, we’re filling them with hope for our Tamariki. Every virtual seat purchased will light up on our interactive stadium map, showing the growing wave of support across our region.

Every seat = one lunch. That’s it. Simple, powerful, and life changing. Whether you buy one seat or one hundred, you’re helping fuel a child’s day and showing them their community care.

Every seat you buy enters you into the draw for a money-can’t-buy experience:

Tossing the coin with the team captains at the first-ever Crusaders match at One New Zealand Stadium.

An exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour with the CEOs of the Crusaders and Venues Ōtautahi, including a catered breakfast ahead of the community open day or first Captains Run (for you and up to 10 guests)

Four tickets to every Crusaders home game at One New Zealand Stadium in 2026, OR for Members who enter, win the cost of your 2026 Membership back (maximum four Memberships and excluding the Ōtautahi Lounge)