Melbourne Storm has today announced a number of initiatives to support fire affected communities and raise funds for the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal.
Players, coaches and staff have started a Go Fund Me page with all funds raised to be donated directly to the appeal. Members are encouraged to join the fundraising where they can. Donate here.
The club will kickstart the campaign with an immediate $25,000 donation. Storm will be aiming to raise over $150,000 through a number of club-led initiatives over the coming months.
The club is offering the opportunity to refund all 2020 memberships for members in fire affected regions - if you have been directly impacted by the fires, contact the club to have your membership gifted back to you. Read the terms and conditions for eligibility here.
Additionally, $5 will be donated to the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal for every membership sold in January.
A club-led Bushfire Appeal Round will coincide with Melbourne’s first home game against the Penrith Panthers on March 28, where the club will conduct several fundraising initiatives with the aim of assisting ongoing bushfire recovery efforts.
The game will be a second opportunity for rugby league fans to honour firefighters, volunteers and emergency services personnel following the NRL’s league-wide Bushfire Appeal in round one.
“On behalf of the Storm family, our thoughts and best wishes are with all those who have been directly impacted by the devastating fires across the country and those on the front line - particularly in our home state of Victoria,” Melbourne Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said.
“We are immensely grateful for the tireless efforts of firefighters and emergency services volunteers during this ongoing crisis and the club will continue to offer support wherever appropriate.”
In consultation with the Victorian and NSW State Governments, Victorian Country Fire Authority and NSW Rural Fire Service, Melbourne Storm NRL players will visit communities directly impacted by bushfires at an appropriate time in the near future.
Players will travel to East Gippsland, Victoria and other fire affected regions to lend a helping hand to locals as communities recover.
Sunshine Coast Lightning will work alongside Storm to raise funds for fire affected communities.
The Suncorp Super Netball team will host a community barbecue fundraiser with Storm feeder club Sunshine Coast Falcons next month, as well as fundraising at an upcoming pre-season match at USC Stadium.
