West Adelaide urges supporters to ‘Keep the Pack Running’ with donations amid COVID-19 crisis
West Adelaide has put the call out for donations to help the club stay alive amid the coronavirus pandemic as the Bloods chief executive says there is financial concern for all SANFL clubs.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Central District’s $250,000 cry for help
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
West Adelaide chief executive Ben Hopkins says there is financial concern for all SANFL clubs as the Bloods join the call for donations to help the 123-year-old club stay alive.
The club is asking for financial support through its “Keep the Pack Running” campaign in the aim of raising $50,000 through the Australian Sports Foundation.
It follows Central District earlier this week calling for $250,000 to help it stay afloat.
While Hopkins remained hopeful West would make it through 2020 even if the coronavirus pandemic ruined the football season, he said money was an issue for all SANFL clubs.
“The financial position for all clubs is obviously a concern and as is the football and the possibility of playing footy this year,” Hopkins said on SEN SA Breakfast on Tuesday morning.
“It’s a tough time for all and we’re not excluded from that.
“We know not everybody is in a position to support us right at the moment, but we’re asking those that are to do it.
“We’re concerned but we’re also really positive and confident about the efforts that are in place among the clubs and the league as well to make sure the SANFL clubs are there in 20201.
“The donations and fundraising program online is one of the strategies we’ve got and we’ve got lots of others that will kick in through memberships and merchandise which will kick into gear.”
Hopkins said about $8500 had been donated already since the fundraiser went live on Monday night.
“It’s a great indication about how important this footy club and all SANFL clubs are to people in the community,” he said.
Bloods games record holder Grant Fielke called for not only West fans but the wider SANFL community to get behind the club.
“We cannot see the club lose its identity,” Fielke said in a video on the club’s Facebook page.
“I urge and encourage all West Adelaide supporters, ex-players, current players and all SANFL lovers to not see the demise of this and other great clubs in the SANFL.”
West’s licenced premises at Richmond has been closed in accordance with government restrictions and football department staff stood down.
In the club’s annual report released earlier this year the Bloods recorded a $118,000 profit for 2019, which included the SANFL distribution to all clubs from the Football Park land divestment funds, and was used to pay off club debt.
DONATE HERE: KEEP THE PACK RUNNING FUNDRAISER