Partners and supporters raise $50,000 for the Australian Red Cross
Sydney Thunder’s home ground victory over arch rivals, the Sixers, has helped raise $50,000 for victims of the bushfires that have devastated vast regions of NSW and Victoria.
After 15,476 people braved Sydney’s rain – which was welcome considering the bush fires – Thunder’s Principal Partner Mazda and its Major Partner HomeWorld exceeded their pledge to pay one dollar each for every fan who attended the game by each generously donating $20,000 to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
The $40,000 will assist the Red Cross to provide relief for affected people through its tireless work at evacuation centres, recovery programs and by assisting people, who, through circumstances beyond their control, find themselves in vulnerable situations.
Tony Pepper, State Manager of Mazda NSW said the donations demonstrated the ways in which sporting teams such as Sydney Thunder and their partners could help the community.
“Our work with HomeWorld and Sydney Thunder shows that organisations can make a difference and we were very pleased to offer the contribution to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund,” he said.
“Mazda Dealers and their staff throughout NSW have witnessed the devastation and suffering first hand and were proud to be involved in a meaningful way.”
Trudi Busch, HomeWorld Director of Marketing, Sponsorship and Community, said her company was also motivated by the sense of responsibility to assist people in need of urgent help.
“It was great to be at the game on Saturday night and to come together with the Thunder Nation and Mazda to raise much needed funds for the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund,” she said.
“With so many communities impacted by the fires it is our responsibility to do what we can to help those needing immediate support.
“As Major Sponsors we were proud to match tickets sold with a one dollar donation.
“A combined donation of $40,000 has now been made to the Red Cross fund thanks to Thunder Nation fans coming to the game.”
Sydney Thunder again extends it thanks and gratitude to the men and women of the NSW Rural Fire Service – and thousands of volunteers – for their sacrifices in continuing to keep our communities safe during this bushfire crisis. Their devotion to duty, and willingness to help those in need of a helping hand, is an inspiration.
The club extends its thoughts and prayers to those people who have been impacted by the fires.
Sydney Thunder’s Official Partner Homestar Finance has recognised the selflessness of the Rural Fire Service by continuing to donate $5000 to the organisation for every Thunder home game.
Homestar’s pledge to double that figure for each win means they’ve so far donated a generous $30,000 (10,000 of which was a result of Thunder’s victory over the Sydney Sixers) towards a great cause.
“Homestar is committed to the wider community and is a proud partner of Sydney Thunder, we wanted to show our support for the Bushfire appeal by pledging $30,000 to date and we envisage it to grow by the end of the BBL|09 season,” said Homestar’s Finance Executive, Mandy Sly.
Sydney Thunder fans have also rallied to the cause, contributing almost $8,000 by purchasing items which included the shirts the players wore in their match against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG in an online auction.
