Cricket Australia has announced continued efforts to raise funds and provide a helping hand to bushfire recovery efforts over the longer term.
Cricket Australia has announced continued efforts to raise funds and provide a helping hand to bushfire recovery efforts over the longer term.
Volunteering 4000+ days
Australian Cricket CEOs including CA, State and Territory Cricket Associations and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) have come together to fund all employees to volunteer for up to three days to support recovery efforts in bushfire impacted areas.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Roberts, said: “While the financial support of rebuilding is without doubt one of the best ways to contribute, we know the recovery efforts will take months beyond the fires being managed and we want to do what we can to support these communities.
“Our people, right across the Australian Cricket family including all States and Territories and the ACA, can together, through this initiative provide more than 4000 days of volunteering to assist wherever they are needed.”
Bushfire Cricket Bash
Cricket Australia will also stage a bushfire relief cricket match skippered by former Australian Captain, Ricky Ponting and Australia’s most prolific wicket taker, Shane Warne.
Saturday 8 February has been earmarked as cricket’s day of giving to relief efforts and recognising the ongoing and incredible work of volunteers, career firefighters and emergency services. Three matches will be played on this day kicking off with the Commonwealth Bank Women’s Tri-Series T20I clash between Australia and India, followed by the Bushfire Cricket Bash, which will lead into the KFC Big Bash League Final.
To date, former Australian cricketers confirmed to play include Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell and Michael Clarke. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will be involved in a non-playing capacity.
All match profits and funds raised on the day will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
Roberts said: “I’m delighted to confirm the Bushfire Cricket Bash will be Cricket Australia’s major fundraising initiative to support Australians impacted by the recent unprecedented bushfire emergency.
“People the world over have seen the overwhelming images of hundreds of thousands of hectares burnt, precious lives lost, hundreds of properties destroyed and the devastating loss of wildlife as a result of the fires. These images have reinforced the need to get behind organisations like the Australian Red Cross which is responding to the immediate requirements of people who have lost loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods.”
