The shock killing of police officer Constable Matthew Hunt, pictured, in June was felt deeply, and not just by his family and Police. The death of the 28-year-old, who had been in Police for three years and had a promising career ahead of him, also resonated with the public.
A Givealittle page set up by fellow officer Constable Sergei Turnbull raised $58,678 in 21 days.
That money was sent to the Police Families Charitable Trust, which continues to receive donations for Matthew’s family and the family of the officer who was injured in the incident in the Auckland suburb of Massey on June 19.
The donations, small and large, have come with messages of support, praise and love.
Some of the donations are the result of fundraising efforts by school and community groups, others are from local bodies and private businesses, but most are from individuals, including fellow officers and other Police staff.
One donation came from Auckland lawyer Andy Wei, who wrote: “Please send my deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. I am a defence lawyer and I have been dealing with Constable Hunt on a number of cases. He is a fantastic, fair and honest police officer.”
Constable Turnbull said he set up the Givealittle page to offer support to the “Blue Family”. “I am just a human from Auckland, NZ, who feels too much pain hiding behind a screen not doing anything,” he wrote. “I chose to set up these fundraising pages because I can,
and because I choose to help.”
Many donations have also come with requests for Police Remembrance Pins, which are traditionally worn at police funerals and in the week leading up to the annual Police Remembrance Day, September 29.
Meanwhile, at Eden Park, the home of Matthew’s favourite rugby team, the Blues, and where his funeral was held, the seat from where he last watched the team play has been painted blue in his honour.
You can donate at
NZPA Charitable Trust
Bank acc:
02-0500-0756808-00
If you need a tax receipt for your donation, email [email protected] with your name, and the amount and date of your donation.
