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Half-time collection for victims of the Victorian Bush Fires

Wednesday 11 February 2009, 6:11PM

By Hamilton City Council

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HAMILTON

Hamilton City Council will be coordinating a city collection for the victims of the Victorian Bushfire disaster at tomorrow night’s pre-season NRL game between the Vodafone Warriors and Melbourne Storm at Waikato Stadium. All proceeds will go to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

The fires witnessed in Victoria this week are still raging and represent Australia’s greatest natural disaster. The death toll from the tragedy continues to rise and thousands have been left homeless and separated from loved ones.

In respect of those who have lost their lives or homes to the bushfires, one minute’s silence will be called for at the beginning of tomorrow night’s game. Fans will also be asked to dig deep at half-time as 50-plus volunteer staff from Hamilton City Council make their way around the stadium with collection buckets.

Hamilton mayor Bob Simcock says that in a time of tragedy this game offers some opportunity for our community to show its support.

“The Melbourne Storm represent their region – and no doubt have in some way been touched by the disaster still playing out in their home state. We hope to see a good turn out for the game tonight so that spectators can show their support by generously contributing to the collection at half time.”

Gates open at 5pm and a curtain-raiser between the Junior Warriors and the Waikato Selection squad will begin at 5.30pm, before the main game at 7.30pm.