By Tim Saunders on
David Beckham was in Auckland, New Zealand, last week for several charity events.
First up was a benefit gala for KidsCan, a charity dedicated to meeting the basic physical needs of financially disadvantaged children, leveling the playing field for them so they have the chance to reach their full potential.
Beckham was joined at the gala – held last Thursday, December 4 – by members of New Zealand’s All Blacks, the national rugby team and patrons of the charity, as well as Hollywood star Martin Henderson, who was born in New Zealand.
The evening featured an auction in which Beckham paid $9,000 for a print of Barack Obama, only to donate back to the auction to raise even more cash.
Next on the agenda was a soccer match between his team, LA Galaxy, and the Oceania All Stars to benefit the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Saturday, December 6.
The game – won by the LA Galaxy – was preceeded by an exhibition match between New Zealand celebrities, such as Dai Henwood, Jason Gunn, and Monty Betham. The warm-up match benefited New Zealand-based charities such as KidsCan and Find Your Field of Dreams, a new charity set up by athlete John Walker to make a positive impact the lives of young people in South Auckland by providing them with opportunities to live healthy, active lifestyles and pursue a positive pathway through sport and recreation.
“Our passion is to produce fit, healthy and active young people who make positive choices and dare to pursue their dreams,” said Walker, the first person to run a mile in under 3 minutes 50 seconds. “We want to do all we can to get our kids active and involved in sports rather than following temptations to illegal, time-wasting or unhealthy activities. To achieve that, we need the support of all sectors of the community; clubs, teams, volunteers, individuals, schools and sporting and recreation organizations.”
Beckham is also well known for his support of UNICEF.
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