Blues put their ‘backs’ into community effort

The Blues have taken time out of their hectic training schedule to roll up their sleeves and spread some cheer in West Auckland.

Alongside PlaceMakers Westgate, Jim’s Mowing, More FM, Milo and Hirepool, the squad descended on the Ranui Community Garden to provide some manpower for the small group of volunteers that run the garden, which needed a bit of a makeover.

The players pulled their weight, getting stuck into building new planter boxes, tidying up paths, planting and painting fences.

Local residents were even treated to players giving their front lawn a free mow thanks to Bernie McCahill and his team from Jim’s Mowing.

“Special thanks must also go to Neil Killgour and his team of experts from PlaceMakers Westgate, who so generously donated the building materials for the event and their guidance on several of the building projects,” said Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.

“This was a great opportunity to show thanks and goodwill to the people in our community – our neighbours, family and friends. All the volunteers, who work extremely hard in this neighbourhood, deserve a boost of support and that’s what we’re here for.

“Teaming up with members from our fantastic family of sponsors, as well as past players like Bernie McCahill, is a fantastic way for the wider Blues family to say thank you to those in our community who already do so much for others.”

Lots of special plants and trees requested for the garden were donated by the Blues and planted by the players and sponsors to create a great space for all to enjoy.