Bay of Plenty families are encouraged to get along to a rugby-themed afternoon at a new car sales business in Mount Maunganui, which is linking up with a local charity.

When Near New Cars on Hewletts Rd at Mount Maunganui opened recently it automatically went looking for a charity it wants to support.

Homes of Hope – which provides foster care to abused or neglected Kiwi children or young people – suited them down to a tee.

More than 6000 NZ children are in foster care due to serious neglect or abuse and, despite best intentions, they are often separated from their brothers and sisters and can change families up to three times per year, according to the charity.

Near New Cars sales manager Mike Morgan knows this first-hand.

'From a personal point of view, my wife Mindy and I have done respite care and fostered children before.

'So we know first-hand the impact an organisation like Homes of Hope can have,” says Mike, who also says Near New Cars owners Grant and Cherie McQuoid have taken care of kids in need before too.

So Mike, Grant and Cherie are bringing a rugby-themed afternoon to the Bay on November 12 from 10am-12 noon in support of Homes of Hope.

Mike says there will be some rugby personalities and silverware present – which they are keeping under wraps as a surprise – and a big ticket item.

'The big ticket item is an All Blacks training uniform – both trackpants and a shirt – signed by the entire All Blacks' 2015 Rugby World Cup team, which will be on offer in a silent auction on-site in support of Homes of Hope.

'Homes of Hope will also have some Christmas cards and money boxes on sale as fundraisers and the local Lions club will be behind a sausage sizzle.”

Mike says the event came to fruition thanks to Grant.

'He's an ex-professional rugby player and has played for Bay of Plenty Steamers, Waikato chiefs and little bit for the national sevens team,” says Mike.

'So through his contacts we've managed to organise this afternoon – and we want the public to come a take a look at it up close,” says Mike.

Mike is expecting families to come along for some rugby-themed fun – as well as a few rugby-mad blokes. 'And I'm sure there will be all sorts of people in between.”

The public is welcome to pop along to Near New Cars, at 100 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui, on November 12 from 10am-12 noon for its rugby-themed afternoon.