Bendigo’s two major football organisations, the Bendigo Bombers Football Club and the Bendigo Football Netball League, are planning a major financial contribution to the Bushfire Appeal.
The Bombers will play a practice match against a BFNL All-Stars Team at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Monday, March 9, with all proceeds being donated to the appeal.
Bendigo Bombers president David Joss said that the two organisations had a great opportunity to raise funds for the appeal and that the Bombers were extremely pleased to be able to participate.
“We approached the league with a view to working together on this and they agreed without hesitation,” Jpss said.
“These events, especially those which occurred locally, have affected the whole community to a great extent and if we can help to alleviate some of the losses which people have sustained then we’ll do everything in our power to make it happen.
“The match will be a key part of our pre-season program and the league’s team will be selected from all its clubs so the spectators will see some high quality football.
“We’re well aware of the role which football plays in the community and we want this game to be a huge crowd-puller, because there’ll never be a more deserving cause than helping people whose lives have been changed forever by the fires.”
Mr Joss said that apart from playing in the match, the club’s aim was to create a day of entertainment that whole families could enjoy and would be memorable for all the right reasons.
“Everyone’s committed to making this event a huge success and it’s fantastic to see that the City of Greater Bendigo, the Bendigo Bank and the Essendon Football Club have also pledged their support for the day which means an enormous amount to us," he said.
Mr Joss’ comments were echoed by the league’s Chairman, the Hon Damian Drum MLC, who said that the league was extremely pleased to participate in the appeal.
“We want to build on the magnificent response from the people of Bendigo to the local tragedy which occurred last Saturday and, indeed, to the overwhelming contributions which people across the state are making to the wider appeal,” Drum said.
“The practice match will provide a great fund-raising opportunity for the whole community in Bendigo and the surrounding areas to continue to assist people who have been affected.
“The League and the Bendigo Bombers appreciate the support and contributions which we receive from our supporters during each season and now we’re extremely keen to give as much as we can back to them at such a critical time.”
Mr Joss and Mr Drum also praised the willingness of the Bendigo District Cricket Association to make the QEO available for the match.
“Their co-operation was greatly appreciated and although it means that their own arrangements will be affected to quite an extent, the BDCA didn’t hesitate to assist us,” Mr Joss said.
“The way in which everyone has worked together to quickly make this a reality reflects great credit on Bendigo’s sporting reputation.”
Details of the starting time for the match and entry fees will be announced as soon as possible. For further details, visit www.bendigobombers.com
Last Modified on 03/03/2009 12:41