The Gold Coast Football Club, AFL and the Gold Coast City Council have agreed to donate 50% of the proceeds from the game to raise funds for families and communities devastated by the Victorian bushfires. The donation is expected to be more than $70,000.
Gold Coast Football Club Chairman, John Witheriff, said the NAB Cup game was an opportunity for the Gold Coast football community to show their support for those suffering as a result of the bushfires.
“We have responded to those AFL fans in the Gold Coast community who sent us a strong message that they wanted to do something to help,” he said.
“Saturday night’s game is an appropriate time for us to show support for those communities devastated by this shocking national tragedy.
“We would like to thank Mayor Ron Clarke, the Gold Coast City Council, the AFL and the teams for immediately agreeing to come together and support this activity.”
Patrons attending the game will also have the opportunity to provide donations to volunteer collectors which will be forwarded to the Victorian Government’s Bushfire Appeal Fund.
Mayor Ron Clarke said Council was delighted to be involved in this initiative.
“We know that the best thing we can do to help the Victorian bushfire victims at the moment is to provide cash donations. With the AFL contributing 50% of the proceeds from this Saturday's Carrara match and Council matching that contribution dollar for dollar (via a reduced payment that it receives for assisting with the match day organisation), we are adding to the $200,000 we have already donated on behalf of the Gold Coast community.
“In such a tragedy, we need to do all we can and I urge AFL fans to turn up and give what they can as well.” said Cr Clarke .
Gold Coast Football Club, St Kilda and Brisbane Lions players not involved in the game will help volunteers to collect donations from the community.
Brisbane Lions CEO Michael Bowers said the Club welcomed the opportunity to be involved.
“The fires are clearly a national tragedy and we are pleased to be able work as part of the AFL industry to do whatever we can to help. It’s great to know that our Lions fans can come along to the game this weekend and make donations to help in some small way the many thousands of people suffering in Victoria,” he said.
Archie Fraser, St Kilda CEO shares the desire to be part of the local initiative.
“We have come to know the communities on the Gold Coast well through our regular visits and matches. I know our local fans as well as the players and officials of St Kilda will welcome the chance to contribute at the game. This is a time when every contribution, regardless of the size will help the people affected by the tragic events of the past week, ” he said.
In recognition of the loss and suffering of the communities in Victoria, the players and patrons will observe a minutes silence before the game.
