A one-of-a-kind item has been donated for Port Nelson’s Charity Golf Day – a signed team jersey from the 2025 British and Irish Lions’ Australian tour.

The golf day on 20 November brings together teams from across the port, importing, exporting and transport industries – for fun, networking, and giving back to the community.

It culminates in a charity auction, with a pre-determined charity recipient.

The internal voting process began earlier this year with Port workers submitting their recommendations of charities they felt were deserving of support. From there, a final round of voting was held to determine the recipient, with Victory Boxing receiving the majority vote from across the port.

“Our People’s engagement was key to this selection,” says Jessica Ammundsen, communication and engagement manager at Port Nelson.

“The result reflects what matters to our people, supporting local organisations that are making a real difference in our region for both youth and adults.”

British and Irish Lions assistant coach, Andrew Goodman, hopes the signed team jersey will help bring in support that truly reflects the value and mana of the work Victory Boxing does in our community.

“The past few [weeks] have been a tough reminder for our whānau of how much we all need strong connections around us,” says the former Tasman Mako captain and coach, following the death of his friend Shane Christie.

“That is what Victory Boxing gives to so many in Nelson – a place of belonging, strength and mana. I believe deeply in what they stand for, and supporting Port Nelson’s Charity Golf Day feels like a small way I can give back. Victory is busier than ever, and raising funds isn’t easy,” enthuses the Dublin-based coach.

Victory Boxing programme director, Paul Hampton, with the signed Lions jersey that will be put to auction in November. Photo: Sara Hollyman.

“Port Nelson workers nominate different charities, and we got a massive amount of support; it just so happened that a lot of employees have been involved or supported by Victory Boxing over the years,” says Victory Boxing programme director, Paul Hampton.

Paul and the team are in the process of collecting more items for the auction.

“It’s not just financial support; it’s a message to the young people we work with that the community believes in them. We’re grateful to Port Nelson and its staff for getting behind our kaupapa,” he says.

Paul says the funds raised will go towards running costs and supporting their big team of around 40 volunteers with courses and training.

Victory Boxing supports around 500 tamariki each year, as well as specialist groups.

Donations for the auction can be made by contacting Jessica.Ammundsen@portnelson.co.nz

News Article from Sara Hollyman, Nelson App.