Bok Mask: Going green and gold for rugby’s injured heroes

In the 25th anniversary week of South Africa’s debut Rugby World Cup win, in 1995, commemorative face masks will go on sale to support the Chris Burger/Petro Jackson Players’ Fund.

Backed by the Bok Class of ’95, who have partnered with Pick n Pay, the Fund is a non-profit organisation that provides physical, psychological and emotional assistance to rugby players who have sustained serious, life-altering head, neck and spine injuries. Currently, assistance is given to 107 recipients of the Players Fund which has had to extend to provision of food and warmth as a result of the dire situation caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.

The masks will be a limited edition (140 000) and will come in three sizes, including small, for younger Bok fans.

They will be sold in Pick n Pay stores throughout SA and will range in price from R45.99-R49.99.

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY MASK

• 140 000 masks to be manufactured
• They will come in three sizes: Adult large, Adult medium & a Kids size
• They will be sold in Pick n Pay stores throughout SA
• Price: Adults: R49.99 | Kids: R45.99
• Profits on the sales of these masks will be donated to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund

If you only have one quote that should be given, what should that look like?

Pick n Pay have partnered with the Springbok Class of 1995 in a commemorative campaign which will invite the South African public to purchase and wear a limited edition Springbok Supporters face-masks to celebrate the 25th anniversary since the Springbok team first won the Rugby World Cup on 24 June 1995.

Money raised through the sale of these 140 000 masks will be donated to the needy recipients of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund – the official charity of the Boks.

Even shorter:

Springbok supporters are encouraged to join the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Ruby World Cup victory by the Springboks in 1995. Springbok Supporter masks will be sold from all Pick n Pay stores around the country from 20 June 2020. All profits from the mask sales will be donated to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund.

The Players’ Fund:

• Is a non-profit and public benefit organisation, providing physical, psychological and emotional assistance to rugby players who have sustained serious, life-altering, head, neck and spine injuries.
• Assistance to the 107 recipients of the Players’ Fund has had to extend to provision of food and warmth as a result of the dire situation caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic and the lock down.
• Since 1980 the Players’ Fund has served as Rugby’s Caring Hands for over 500 seriously injured players and their families, currently actively supporting 107 recipients.
• In 2020 the Players’ Fund are comemoatring 40 years of service to the South African rugby community.• The Players’ Fund is the official charity of the Springboks.

How the Players’ Fund works:

The Players’ Fund is alerted of serious and life-altering injuries* through the BokSmart (National Rugby Safety Programme) reporting process. Following on-field care and during the acute medical care in hospital, the immediate needs of the individual and their family are assessed and the Fund steps in to assist where necessary.

*These injuries include, but are not exclusively confined to: Spinal cord injuries with irreversible nerve damage resulting in dependence on wheelchairs and walking aids. Head injuries that impair normal day-to-day functioning (inability to work/walk/talk etc.) Other injuries that may lead to: visual impairment, irreparable limb damage or loss. This means that the individual’s life has irreversibly change.

PLEASE HELP US PROMOTE THE SALES OF THE MASKS

In order to reach as many screens and homes as we are hoping to, we ask you to please use your influence and share visuals and details about these masks with your networks. Be it via personal messages or social media.

You can choose to either post on your own or send your photos and videos to Tori at events@playersfund.org.za.

Some social media comments to go out on your own

• Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary since South Africa first lifted the Rugby World Cup on 24 June 1995. Show your true colours & purchase your limited edition face mask from your nearest @PicknPay. All proceeds will go to the Playersfunds_sa. #1team1country
• Celebrate 25 years since the first Springboks victory this 24 June 2020. Buy your limited edition Springbok Supporters face mask from your nearest @Picknpay store & you’ll also be supporting those whose lives were changed by the game who need us more than ever during these times. #1team1Country #RugbyCaringHands
• #1team1Country – Celebrating 25 years . Buy your Springbok Supporters Mask from your nearest @PicknPay. Adult & Children sizes available.
• (with a picture of you and your family wearing your masks) We are prepared for 24 June 2020 when we will all be celebrating #1Team1Country and 25 years since the first time a Springbok lifted the Rugby World Cup. Buy yours at your nearest @Picknpay & support the @PlayersFund_sa.

Social Media:

#1team1country | #classof95 | #classof07 | #classof19

Players’ Fund social media handles:

Facebook: @PlayersFund
Twitter: @playersfund_sa
Instagram: @playersfund_sa