The Gold Coast SUNS have made a further commitment to flood relief efforts on the east coast, dedicating the Round 2 match against Melbourne at Metricon Stadium to supporting those affected.
The SUNS will be encouraging patrons to donate during the match, supporting fundraising organisation GIVIT.
To kickstart the fundraising efforts, the club will make a $20,000 donation, with $5,000 of that coming directly from the GC SUNS playing group.
GC SUNS players and staff were able to see firsthand the devastation caused by flooding in the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers areas earlier this month when volunteering in the clean-up efforts.
“The widespread flooding across Queensland and Northern New South Wales continues to have a devastating and long-term impact on our community,” GC SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said.
“When it happens in our own backyard, we feel we have a duty to do what we can to help those who were badly affected get back on their feet.
“We want to have a genuine and positive impact in our community and that’s why it’s important we maintain our support for what is going to be an ongoing challenge for south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
GIVIT Queensland Manager Christina Spehr said the organisation was proud to be working with the SUNS to make a difference for those who need it.
“GIVIT is grateful to the SUNS for supporting our work in this disaster,” Spehr said.
“GIVIT has already facilitated the donation of more than 100,000 essential items for people impacted by floods across parts of Queensland and New South Wales.
“We know that this will be a long-term recovery for many people, every dollar that is donated to the GIVIT - Gold Coast SUNS for Givit will be used to help to rebuild these communities.”
All SUNS match-worn guernseys from the match will be auctioned off, with proceeds going directly to the flood relief campaign.
To further show support, the SUNS will also be treating impacted community members to a night at the footy, including transport to the venue from northern New South Wales.
Members and fans who attend Saturday’s match will have the chance to donate to the SUNS’ Givit campaign via QR codes throughout the venue.
A number of other initiatives will also be undertaken across the coming weeks to continue the support efforts.
