Essendon managing director and CEO, Peter Jackson, said the club was connected to the region through its VFL affiliate club, the Bendigo Bombers, and wanted to help.
Mr Jackson will make the donation while attending today’s Bendigo Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser which will include Essendon coaches and players.
“Hundreds of people were directly affected by Bendigo’s fire front and Essendon simply wants to help because we feel we are part of this community,” he said.
“The local community has provided so much support to Essendon and the Bendigo Bombers and it’s important that we give some support back during this time of need.
“We have held a number of fund raising activities and many people at the club have worked hard to raise this money and we hope it will help.”
The $50,000 was raised by auctioning off signed player guernseys and shorts from the Round 1 Bushfire Appeal game, through collections at the Windy Hill Venue and by donating money raised at the recent Windy Hill Family Fair and Beyond Sport outlet at the Dome.
Mr Jackson said that 10 Essendon listed players have been named in the Bendigo squad to play the Bendigo Football league All-Stars today while Essendon coach, Matthew Knights, assistant coaches Gary O’Donnell, Scott Camporeale, Adrian Hickmott, Alan Richardsonand Ashley Prescott and former players Paul Barnard and Matthew Allen would all take part in the celebrity game.
A junior game (which will also feature some Essendon players) will also be held today and there is free entertainment and activities for children.
Bendigo Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser
When: Monday 9 March
Where: Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo
Time: 2:30pm - Gates open
3pm – 3.50pm – Celebrity Game
4pm – 4:50pm - Junior footballers / Essendon footballers
4:50pm – 5pm – Cheque presentations
5pm - 7pm - Main game. Bendigo Bomber v Bendigo Football League All-Stars
Entry: Adults $10, free admission for children under 14
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