Rugby Australia, the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU), the Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) and Classic Wallabies have joined forces to support the game in flood-devastated regions of North Queensland by today announcing a national fundraising initiative ‘Rugby Aid Townsville’.
The fundraising effort will focus on assisting the several Rugby Clubs in Townsville and surrounding regions that are facing significant property damage bills in the wake of the late January-early February floods.
To kick off Rugby Aid Townsville the ARF has today announced a $10,000 up-front donation, and the QRU will facilitate a collection at their home Vodafone Super Rugby clash with the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. Rugby Australia will conduct a further collection at the venue during the Mitsubishi Estate Rugby Championship clash between the Qantas Wallabies and Argentina on July 27.
The Classic Wallabies will also play a key role in the fundraising drive, visiting Townsville and the surrounding area in late July to run junior clinics as part of a wider Classic Wallabies tour of Central and Northern Queensland in July.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “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.
“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.
“We thank the Australian Rugby Foundation for getting the ball rolling with a $10,000 donation and together with the QRU and our Rugby partners we will conduct fundraising activity throughout the year to help these clubs through this challenging period.”
Queensland Rugby Union CEO, David Hanham said: “It’s at times like these, when faced with hardship and adversity, that the Rugby community show their colours by lending a hand to those in need.“
Rugby Aid Townsville aims to bring the Australian Rugby community together to raise important funds and provide assistance to Rugby clubs and schools effected by the floods in northern Queensland earlier this year.”
Peter Cavallo, President of the Townsville and District Rugby Union said: “The Rugby community of Townsville and surrounding regions would like to extend their thanks to the Australian Rugby Foundation and the rugby community as a whole.
"The past couple of weeks have 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. We are really looking forward to the Classic Wallabies visiting our region in July.”
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/
