Photo Credit: Brisbane Heat Media
The Brisbane Heat’s efforts to raise money for communities affected by Australia’s bushfire crisis has been matched by a group of the club’s sponsors, with the Big Bash League community joining many around the country in supporting those in need.
The Heat, along with the club’s players and sponsors including CUA, Betta Home Living, Epic Pharmacy, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, Toyota Australia and National Storage have all committed to bushfire relief across a variety of initiatives and charities.
Momentum for BBL bushfire relief started with Heat skipper Chris Lynn committing $250 for every six he hits during this summer’s BBL season, with money raised going to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. Lynn’s generosity was quickly matched by the Heat, CUA, Betta Home Living, and Epic Pharmacy.
With the master blaster having smashed 17 sixes throughout the competition to date, the collective tally of Lynn’s efforts has reached $25,500, with eight more Heat games still to come this season.
Earlier this week the Heat announced an online auction of signed player jerseys to also go to the Red Cross, including 13 of which were worn by the squad during Monday’s triumph over the Sydney Thunder. The leading bids are sitting with a full squad signed BBL|09 jersey at $5,000, with Lynn’s jersey leading the charge for the players at $3,000.
The auction will run until 11am on Monday January 13 and can be viewed at brisheat.com/bushfireauction.
Heat sponsors have been quick to join the push to support communities impacted by bushfires.
Initiatives have included CUA donating $150,000 to state fire services and authorities. This includes a $50,000 donation to each to the NSW and QLD Rural Fire Services, and a further $50,000 to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria. The donations follow a $25,000 contribution from CUA to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund in early December to help volunteers continue to support communities impacted by the bushfire crisis.
We’ve pledged $150,000 to assist in fighting the ongoing bushfire crisis, as well as providing paid leave for our team members and their partners undertaking volunteer firefighting duties @NSWRFS @QldFES @CFA_Members #AustralianFires #NSWFires #QLDFires #VICFires— CUA (@CUA_Connect) January 3, 2020
Other donations include Toyota Australia who contributed $3,000 for every 4 and $6,000 for every 6 hit by both the Heat and the Thunder during Monday’s game. Thanks largely to Tom Banton’s unbelievable 56 from 19 balls, Toyota raised $123,000 for the Salvation Army’s bushfire drive.
With countless amounts of Australian wildlife impacted by the bushfires, Village Roadshow Theme Parks via Sea World are donating $20,000 per 6 for the first five maximum hit during the Heat’s home clash against the Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday to the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
Queensland Cricket’s Official Charity Partner Foodbank QLD are helping to provide families affected by the bushfires with food and essential items. Cash donations to help their cause can be made here.
The Brisbane Heat thanks our many fans and partners for their support and generosity.
