Team Code Blue: First responders charity features in NQ Cowboys’ Community Corner

A charity supporting first responders hurt in the line of duty will be the first organisation to feature in the Community Corner during the Cowboy’s first home game on Saturday.

Toyota North Queensland Cowboys centre Jaxon Purdue, Team Code Blue Secretary Peter Vinnicombe, charity president Shane Martin and Cowboys utility Karl Lawton. Picture: Supplied

A charity that supports first responders injured in the line of duty will be the first organisation to feature in the Community Corner during the North Queensland Cowboy’s first home game on Saturday.

Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said Team Code Blue, which also operates in NSW, was set to benefit from the dedicated space at Queensland Country Bank Stadium to build its profile and raise awareness for its cause.

“Community organisations are vital to the well-being of our community; they not only provide support and services but also encourage connectivity and camaraderie across a wide variety of people, interests and issues,” she said.

“Community Corner is offered at no cost to the participating organisation, reflecting the Cowboys’ commitment to assisting charities and not-for-profits to generate awareness and support for what they do.”

Ms Pelling said organisations often held giveaways or hosted activities that added “to the experience of Cowboys fans in the lead up to kick-off”.

Toyota North Queensland Cowboys centre Jaxon Purdue, Townsville City Councillor Brodie Phillips. Team Code Blue President Shane Martin, Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling, Team Code Blue Secretary Peter Vinnicombe and Cowboys utility Karl Lawton. Picture: Supplied

Team Code Blue is a charity run by a small group of volunteer former emergency-service personnel, raising funds to support first responders who have been injured or become unwell due to service-related incidents or events.

Peter, a paramedic with Queensland Ambulance Service, said first responders “run towards danger instead of away from it”.

“Unfortunately, that means the physical and mental injuries they suffer in the line of duty can be life-altering,” he said.

“Having been injured ourselves we understand the feelings of isolation and loneliness that follow.”

He said the charity offered financial assistance, advocacy, advice and “a shoulder for first responders to lean on during those difficult times”.

Toyota North Queensland Cowboys centre Jaxon Purdue, Team Code Blue Secretary Peter Vinnicombe, charity president Shane Martin and Cowboys utility Karl Lawton. Picture: Supplied

Community Corner, presented by Townsville City Council, is located just inside the Gate A entry and.

Councillor Brodie Phillips said the council and Cowboys had “shared values in supporting community organisations”.

“Through partnering with the Cowboys and initiatives like Community Corner we can help celebrate, advocate and inform about the valuable contributions of Townsville organisations in supporting the community.”

Tickets for the Cowboys opening home game against Cronulla Sharks at 4.30pm are on sale through cowboys.com.au/tickets or Ticketmaster outlets.

Originally published as Team Code Blue: First responders charity features in NQ Cowboys’ Community Corner