Shooting for warmth: Stars support Jammies for June

This year, ANZ Premiership team Stars Netball joined Dame Valerie’s Jammie Army, taking Jammies for June to the court and beyond — scoring big for our tamariki!

Not only did the team rally behind the appeal throughout June, shooting support both on and off the court, but they also hosted Middlemore Foundation at their final home game of the season. The arena came alive with incredible community spirit: fans arrived with armfuls of donated jammies, tamariki came dressed in their favourite jammies, and fun activities lit up the space between quarters.

Adding an exciting edge to the game — and a big boost for the appeal — was Southbase Construction, who pledged $100 for every 2-point shot made by the Stars in the final minutes of each quarter. Southbase ended up generously rounding up their donation to support our appeal with $1,000, in addition to their usual collection of jammies, Southbase really brought their A-game. Go Southbase!

Dame Valerie Adams, Stars ball girl for the match – possibly the most decorated ball girl in netball history! Photo credit: Michael Bradley Photography

And as for our Jammie Army General, Dame Valerie Adams? She took on a new role as ball girl for the night — possibly the most decorated one in netball history! 

One player donated adult-sized pyjamas, sharing that when she was at primary school, she was so tall she wouldn’t have fit into kids’ sizes — and she wanted to make sure that no tall kid would miss out.

The support didn’t stop courtside. A few days later, Greer, Lili and Remi from the Stars visited Kidz First Hospital, hand-delivering the mountain of jammies they’d collected and taking time to visit patients who were great netball fans. Their visit was especially meaningful for Sienna, who had hoped to be competing at the AIMS Games that week. Sad to be stuck in hospital, she was pleased to share a special moment with some of her sporting heroes. Check out our photo gallery of the visit below!

A huge thank you to Stars Netball, their amazing fans, Southbase Construction, and our incredible ambassador Dame Valerie Adams for helping us warm up winter for our tamariki. Your aroha and energy made a real impact.