Rugby powers join forces in flood fundraising drive to save clubs
A fundraising drive, aimed at getting more than a dozen rugby union clubs in the Townsville region back on their feet after the shocking floods, has received an early kickstart.
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A $10,000 donation has kicked off a fundraising drive, tagged Rugby Aid Townsville, to support the game and rugby communities in flood-devastated regions of North Queensland.
The national fundraising effort will focus on getting more than a dozen clubs back on their feet in the wake of the floods in late January-early February.
Rugby Australia, the Queensland Rugby Union, the Australian Rugby Foundation and Classic Wallabies have joined forces to help assist clubs and communities facing bills for facilities and equipment damage.
The ARF on Friday announced a $10,000 donation while the QRU will run a collection at Sunday afternoon’s Reds-Brumbies Super Rugby clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Rugby Australia will conduct a further collection at the venue during the Wallabies’ Test and Argentina on July 27.
“The past couple of weeks having been extremely difficult for many in our region and its pleasing to know that the rugby community of Australia is there to support their own when times are tough,” said Peter Cavallo, President of the Townsville and District Rugby Union.
“The rugby community of Townsville and surrounding regions would like to thank the Australian Rugby Foundation and the rugby community as a whole.
“We are really looking forward to the Classic Wallabies visiting our region.”
The Classic Wallabies, under former Test lock Justin Harrison, will play a key role in the fundraising drive, visiting Townsville and the surrounding areas in late July to run junior clinics.
“The people of Townsville have endured significant heartache and are facing a long road to recovery following the events of the past couple of months, including a number of our Rugby clubs in the region that have had damage to club facilities ahead of the season,” Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said.
“It is in the toughest of times that the true spirit of the rugby community comes to the fore and we know that people in our communities will dig deep to support our clubs in the Townsville area.”
Rugby fans wishing to make an immediate donation to Rugby Aid Townsville should follow this link: https://asf.org.au/projects/queensland-rugby-union/rugby-aid-townsville/
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