The Blues are spreading Christmas cheer this festive season, partnering with The Salvation Army to bring the ‘Mai FM Fill the Blues Bus’ Christmas appeal to life.

Throughout November, the Blues are appealing to fans to help them collect 20,000 gifts and raise $15,000 to ensure kids across the Blues region have a present under the tree this Christmas.

A challenging economic environment and cost of living crisis is making it difficult for families in the Blues region to make ends meet so this year’s ‘Mai FM Fill the Blues Bus’ campaign is all about easing the burden on families at an expensive time of year.

A snapshot into the struggle provided by The Salvation Army shows increased costs of groceries (11%), stationery (9%) and schooling (4.4%) from 2022 levels, meaning the need for those asking for help is expected to rise.

Gifts can be dropped to collection points across the Blues region, including Blues HQ in Epsom, all Barfoot and Thompson branches and Salvation Army centres across the region. A full list of collection points can be found on the Blues website.

The ‘Mai FM Fill the Blues Bus’ reaches a climax on Friday December 1, with men’s and women’s Blues players jumping on the three Blues buses to scoop up our region’s generosity and deliver it to The Salvation Army’s headquarters.

An alternative to donating presents is to buy a ‘Back to School Pack’ for $30 with packs distributed to those in need by The Salvation Army.

The packs are filled with essential school stationery items that have been donated by Warehouse Stationery.

Salvation Army spokesperson Captain David Daly said the beginning of the school year is often a time of financial stress for families.

“The price of books and stationery has risen by nine percent over the past year – one of many increases to fundamental household costs. These ‘Blues Back to School Packs’ will help ease that burden for families so I encourage people to jump online and buy a pack for those in need.”

Blues CEO Andrew Hore said the ‘Mai FM Fill the Blues Bus’ is a tangible way the club can make a difference in the region.

“We’re a club with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences who come together under the Blues banner. We’re in a fortunate position where we can mobilise our community to help those in need and this campaign gives us the perfect opportunity to do so,” said Hore.

“This is the third year running our Christmas appeal and it’s heart-warming to see everyone mucking in on campaign day and for our players and staff to see and hear firsthand how the gifts will make a difference for families.”

Captain David Daly said he was looking forward to working with the Blues again to bring the ‘Mai FM Fill the Blues Bus’ Christmas appeal to life.

“We loved having the Blues players and staff assist last year and we’re hoping the Blues community can once again come together and give generously to help those less fortunate this Christmas,” he said.

Full details of the ‘Mai FM Fill the Blues Bus’ campaign can be found at blues.rugby/fill-the-bus