The game on Friday night is between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon but in reality it is for the communities who have been affected by the horrific bushfires. It is not about who is playing but what the game means and with that in mind we urge all supporters to attend and make it a successful fundraising event.
“The Bushfire Appeal Game is a joint effort by AFL players, AFLPA, clubs and the broader Australian Football family. We all want to do something significant to support local communities affected by bushfires.
“Our supporters span the nation and we recognize that many of our members reside in the areas directly affected by the Victorian bushfires. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all of the communities who may have been involved themselves, or have family or friends affected by these tragic events.
“The players and the Club are supporting a number of initiatives in relation to the Bushfire Appeal and will continue to do so. This game is the most immediate way that the football community can come together to support the communities devastated by this shocking national tragedy.
“No matter who you barrack for, we urge all supporters to join as one in support of this Appeal. For those Carlton supporters unable to attend we urge you to donate direct to the appeal and don’t forget our Family Day at Visy Park on Sunday, the Red Cross will be in attendance collecting donations for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal,” Judd added.
NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal Match
Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Friday February 13th, 8:40pm – The Dome
- Every dollar people spend on tickets will go back to the appeal
- Ticketmaster will donate all ticket fees to the appeal
- The Dome staff have volunteered to work for free at the match so there are no match costs
- Connex has organised that anyone with a pre-paid ticket will be able to travel free on trams and trains to and from the match.
- Over $1million is hoped to be raised from the match
Everyone is urged to join the players to donate direct to the Appeal by calling 1800 811 700 or by visiting www.redcross.org.au
The events of the past few days are a national tragedy and have impacted on all Australians.
Like other members of the community our AFL players, the 16 clubs, supporters and corporate and broadcast partners have wanted to work together to raise funds and to show their support for the communities affected by the fires.
After discussions with the State Government, it was decided that playing a NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game at Telstra Dome on Friday, February 13, 2009 was the most appropriate response with all proceeds from the game being donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.
Not only is the match in support of those communities affected by the fires, but also as a mark of the AFL industry’s respect for the emergency service workers and community volunteers who have risked their lives to fight the fires or to provide support.
We will announce other measures in the days and weeks ahead but this NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game will enable both the competing clubs and also players from all AFL clubs to offer an avenue for football fans to show their support for local communities hit hardest by the bushfires.
From a more immediate point of view, our players and clubs are urging all of their supporters to give money and blood to assist the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.
Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund can be made by ringing 1800 811 700 or by visiting the website at redcross.org.au
I also want to thank competition partner NAB, broadcasters Channel Seven, Foxtel, Fox Sports and Austar for their support of this initiative, and the support of Telstra Dome to host the match as well as the NT Government for their support of the game being transferred back to Melbourne.
