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EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE TO ASSIST VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE VICTIMS
The Emirates Western Force will join with the Australian Rugby Union and fellow Australian provinces in collecting money for the Victorian bushfire victims during round one of the Investec Super 14.
RugbyWA CEO Greg Harris spoke with ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill today to discuss ways in which rugby could help those caught in the tragedy.
Volunteers will be positioned around Subiaco Oval on Friday night at the WA side’s fixture with the Blues.
Harris said the devastation in Victoria was beyond description.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Victoria who have suffered in this tragic occurrence. It is only appropriate that we do what we can to assist, starting with a collection at the game on Friday,” said Harris.
“What the people in those areas are going through is just unthinkable.”
O’Neill echoed those sentiments, saying the nation was shocked and numbed by what has happened.
“The victims and their families will need ongoing support and I’m sure the Rugby community will want to lend its assistance at each of our Super 14 venues by contributing to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal,” said O’Neill.
“We are aware of other initiatives under consideration at various levels of our game while ARU will also look to other avenues for supporting the Bushfire Appeal as the season continues.”
All proceeds from Friday night’s collection will go to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal, launched by Victorian Premier John Brumby in partnership with Red Cross and the Federal Government.