In a remarkable show of solidarity, the AFL community is gearing up for Friday night's AFL State of Origin – Bushfire Relief Double Header at Marvel Stadium. People and businesses from all around the nation have come together to put on a history-making match in the name of the thousands of volunteers and servicemen who aided Australia during the recent bushfire crisis, as a major fundraising initiative to support fire-affected communities.
All proceeds from tickets sales will go into the AFL Community Relief Fund, as well as auction proceeds of Official Memorabilia in conjunction with the AFL and AFLPA, as well as the sale of any Big V or All-Stars guernseys donated by Puma. Additional donations from fans will also contribute to the fund with the total raised going to rebuild the affected football clubs and footy families within the affected communities.
The incredible generosity and support from the AFL industry's partners has ensured the AFL's vision for the State of Origin Double-Header has been able to come to life. Providing much needed volunteers, commercial support, goods and services, the football industry has banded together in a show of unified support.
AFL General Manager of Commercial, Kylie Rogers is proud to be a part of this incredible collaboration, which honours some of our countries bravest and most inspiring people, supported by the AFL's partners and industry.
"This is our opportunity to stand in support of fire affected communities. We are so grateful for the support from our partners, the clubs, AFLPA, players and volunteers - without them this event would not be possible. This is a remarkable show of what can be achieved when the football family comes together."
Toyota's Chief Marketing Officer, Wayne Gabriel, said Toyota is proud to be a part of the relief efforts.
"These last few months have been a very difficult time for Australians, and we've seen amazing examples of families, neighbours and friends coming together to support those affected by the devastating bushfires.
Toyota is proud to partner with the AFL and AFLW to help local communities rebuild and get back on their feet through the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief."
As the presenting partner for both the Vic's and the All Stars, Rio Tinto's commitment to regional communities impacted by the bushfires has played a pivotal role in supporting the State of Origin. Rio Tinto's support of the AFL bushfire appeal game, forms part of the company's broad response to the bushfire crisis which has seen it contribute more than $2 million to recovery efforts, its employees donate almost $300,000 and pastoral stations provide 234 tonnes of hay for impacted farmers.
Rio Tinto's Vice President of Corporate Relations, Australia Brad Haynes, said: "The impact of these devastating fires will be long-lasting. As a major employer and member of the Australian community, we are continuing to look for ways to help and support communities rebuild.
"We see the AFL Bushfire Relief match as a wonderful opportunity to help raise much needed funds for impacted communities in their time of need."
Major partners NAB and Coles have both provided much needed assistance with fundraising efforts, not only for the double-header, but with NAB volunteers present at NAB AFLW matches since round 1 collecting both gold coins, and of course – EFTPOS donations. Coles, the Official Supermarket Partner of the AFL, has also committed $5,000 per centre bounce.
On the night of the match, over 200 of Marvel Stadium's customer service staff have volunteered over 925 hours as a personal contribution to the initiative. Delaware North has committed to donating the cost of hospitality services on the night, a significant contribution as part of their overall support of the bushfire crisis.
Marvel Stadium is preparing for fans to consume over 6,600 Four 'N Twenty meat pies at the double-header, along with 6,800 buckets of hot chips and almost 4,000 hot dogs. To keep thirsty fans happy, almost 10,000 units of non-alcoholic drinks are predicated to be served, along with 39,000 beers.
It's no surprise that beers will be flowing, and all CUB products that will be sold at the event will contribute to the fundraising. Peter Filipovic, CEO of Carlton & United Breweries said the long-standing and proud association with the AFL enabled CUB to do more to support those communities rebuilding after the bushfires.
"Having a beer at the footy is a great Australian tradition. We hope that by making this donation, we'll help make a special night even more meaningful for thousands of fans and bushfire-affected communities. Carlton & United Breweries is proud to support those communities that have always supported us."
AFL partners Google and AAMI have also contributed to the double-header, providing partnership support to the Bushfire Relief Fund and match.
The AFLPA's insurance partner, Zurich, has enabled spectators of the match to be able to contribute, by donating $10 from every attendee to the Bushfire Relief Fund.
The double header is just one part of an ongoing Bushfire Relief Strategy by the AFL Industry, with the AFL, its 18 Clubs and AFL / AFLW players through the AFL Players' Association already having donated directly to relief efforts, as well as a return strategy to ensure communities have economic support in the coming years, with Marsh Community Series matches and club community camps to be scheduled in fire affected communities where possible.
About the event
The State of Origin for Bushfire Relief match was announced as a double header with the NAB AFL Women's Round 4 match between Collingwood and Melbourne, with all proceeds from tickets sales and any additional donations to go into a Community Relief Fund set up by the AFL to support the local communities in fire affected areas to repair and rebuild their football clubs, including helping footballing families in these impacted communities.
This supports the $2.5m already donated by the AFL, its 18 Clubs and AFL / AFLW players through the AFL Players' Association, to support communities impacted by the bushfires across Australia.
A donation of $1 million will go towards immediate relief efforts on the ground through the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund. A further $1.5 million has been contributed into the Community Relief Fund, as identified above, that directly supports the local football clubs and families in these impacted communities nationally.
Event details
Friday 28 February, Marvel Stadium
5:40pm AEDT
NAB AFL Women's: Collingwood vs Melbourne
7:50pm AEDT
State for Origin for Bushfire Relief: Victoria vs All-Stars
