The Brumbies and GIVIT have raised $50,000 in bushfire relief for southeast NSW. Photo: Supplied.
Fresh off their Super Rugby AU final win over the Reds, the Brumbies boys have hit the NSW South Coast, not for a recovery surf session, but rather to help raise $50,000 in bushfire relief for struggling communities.
Together with GIVIT – a charity which donates goods and services to those in need – players travelled to Tumut, Bemboka and Broulee as part of the NSW Bushfires Appeal.
GIVIT’s regional NSW manager, Caroline Odgers, thanked Brumbies sponsor Plus500 as well as supporters and fans for their donations.
All of the funds will be used to purchase items for people struggling through post-bushfire and COVID-19 recovery.
“From Kiah to Queanbeyan, Broulee to Batlow, and the dozens of incredible bushfire-hit communities across NSW, donations from the champion Brumbies and their supporters have allowed GIVIT to provide exactly what’s needed by stoic locals in need,” said Ms Odgers.
According to the charity organisation, more than 120,000 items have been coordinated by GIVIT to support NSW communities still rebuilding. Items include gas ovens, converted shipping containers and snakebite first aid kits for towns which are hours away from medical assistance.
However, there are still community needs going unmet.
“There is still a need for water tanks, generators and tools,” said Ms Odgers.
“We are also seeing requests for items to support people’s wellbeing such as beehives, seedlings, canoes, guitars and sewing machines.
“It is so important to make these communities feel they are supported and not forgotten.”
Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said the team is “immensely proud to have helped raise this money for a truly worthy cause”.
“The bushfire crisis affected all of us in our region, and it’s important for us at the Brumbies to play our part in the healing and rebuilding process,” he said.
“It was an emotional day meeting those people who were so heavily affected by the crisis, and who have benefited from this funding. We’re so glad we could see the great work that’s being done to help in their recovery.”
Ms Odgers urged local charities and community groups to register with GIVIT to access and request items to help those in need due to bushfires, everyday hardships and the impact of COVID-19.
If you are a local charity or service, you can register here.
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