Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and the City of Greater Geelong are throwing their support behind Western United's special bushfire fundraiser match against the Central Coast Mariners at GMHBA Stadium this Sunday (19 January 2020).
Entry to the game will be free, with fans instead asked to make a donation at the gate (by card or cash), and 100 per cent of funds will go to Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery and Rural Aid.
Western United will also donate all proceeds of merchandise sales to the relief effort.
Further to this, the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust will make a contribution of $30,000 to the Victorian Government's partnership with Bendigo Bank and the Salvation Army that will directly support the Victorian communities in need.
The day will be filled with family fun including inflatable football activities, airbrush tattoos and snow cones, appearances from ex-Socceroos and Matildas and current Western United players, football freestyling entertainment, local buskers, pop-up sports including a bungee run and mini-golf. Supporting the fundraising we will have displays from the police highway patrol, rural tractors and firetrucks!
Pre-match there will be a dedicated ceremony to say thank you to all of the volunteers and services for both disasters and to pay respects to those we have lost. Fans will be given free 'thank you' posters at the gate to hold high and show support.
Event Details – 'Let's Unite'
Western United FC v Central Coast Mariners, A-League Round 15
Sunday 19 January 2020
Gates open 2pm, match starts 4pm
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Although entry to the match is free, a ticket will still be needed for entry. To save time at the gate, fans are encouraged to register for their tickets in advance.
Mayor Stephanie Asher:
We've all been shocked and horrified by the devastating bushfires raging around the country and it's wonderful to see our community coming together to support those impacted. Western United's decision to waive gate fees for Sunday's match and instead collect donations for the relief effort is a fitting gesture, as is the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust's generous contribution.I encourage the Geelong community to turn out in big numbers – you'll be supporting a worthy cause and you'll get to see some great entertainment at the same time.
Gil Costa, Deputy Chair - Kardinia Park Stadium Trust:
The thoughts of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust are with those affected by the bushfires throughout the country, and we extend our gratitude to the firefighters and volunteers working tirelessly to protect lives and property.Sunday is great opportunity for our community to come together to enjoy a fantastic day out and most importantly raise money for those in need.
Steve Horvat, Director of Football – Western United:
As a club we are so impressed by what the Geelong community, our partners and volunteers have done in just over one week to make this match a great day out for our fans. It's going to be a great opportunity for everyone to head to the match and help us raise as much as we can for Rural Aid and the Red Cross.From the players and coaches, there's a real feeling of excitement and honour to be playing on Sunday – we can't wait to be involved.
