While the immediate response to the devastating and tragic bushfires that have, and continue to engulf large parts of Victoria has been spontaneous, drawing all Victorians and Australians together to support those effected, the ramifications of this disaster will be with us for many months and perhaps years to come.
AFL Victoria, in consultation with the leagues around the state and the AFL are working together to contribute to those communities affected by the bushfires now, and to plan what support is required in the medium and long term to ensure that football maintains its important role as the ‘social connector’ in the community at clubs and Auskick clinics, and to continue its important role in schools.
Across AFL Victoria member Leagues and Clubs are already heavily involved in providing immediate support. Some of the activities include:
The Victorian Country Football League whose Leagues and Clubs bore the brunt of the disaster have launched the WorkSafe VCFL Bushfire Appeal where funds can be donated and provided to the appropriate State Government fund and/or the Red Cross as well as to the football community in those fire affected areas. For more information log on to www.vcfl.com.au. They are also holding a Bushfire Round across their leagues on May the 30th and 31st.
Bendigo’s two major football organisations, the Bendigo Bombers Football Club who play in the VFL and the Bendigo Football Netball League have planned a Bendigo Bombers v BFNL All-Stars on March 9 to raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
On March 29 a rivalry that has never been tested will take place between two of Victoria’s biggest football competitions to raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal; The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and Eastern Football League (EFL) will meet for the first time.
I will periodically provide updates of what is happening and what plans are being put in place to support those areas affected by the Bushfires.
To contribute to the Red Cross fundraising appeal, please visit http://www.redcross.org.au/default.asp.
Peter Schwab, CEO, AFL Victoria
Last Modified on 26/02/2009 11:36