The Gold Coast Titans have announced they will donate over $100,000 to help with the flood recovery across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The NRL club released a statement on Sunday morning confirming the money will go towards grassroots rugby league clubs in the region via the NRL’s relief fund, those in areas of need over the coming weeks and months and small businesses through BizRebuild.
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell says the NRL club wants to ensure funds reach those who need it most to ensure they can get back on their feet after facing a devastating start to 2022.
“Our purpose is to make our communities proud. Many of these communities are now in dire need of our support,” Mitchell said.
“As the weather deteriorated over the weekend and started impacting our communities, we decided to postpone our 2022 Season Launch.
“Our trial match against the Warriors was subsequently cancelled to ensure the safety of those involved.
“Now in response to the full extent of devastation being experienced by the communities between Logan to Lismore, we have decided to cancel the event and re-direct the funds to those in their time of need.
“The best way for us to start our 2022 season is by helping those that support us.
“We’ll instead be contributing $50,000 into the NRL’s relief fund which will go towards assisting grassroots footy clubs that have been hit hard.
“Our season will begin next week, but it is vitally important to us that the boys and girls within our communities are able to get back to the game that they love as well.
“This funding will hopefully help replace the equipment that has been washed away, the clean-up for fields covered in mud and help to re-build the clubhouses that have been damaged.”
The Titans are hoping a huge crowd will turn out to see the club’s first home fixture on Saturday 19th March, with the Coast’s NRLW side hosting the Brisbane Broncos and the NRL squad to play the New Zealand Warriors.
“Together, with our partners at Cbus Super Stadium, we will be donating $10 from every ticket sold to that match to further support recovery efforts,” Mitchell said.
“We’ve said we’ll be putting in over $100,000, but that number will rise even further if we have a packed house for our first home game this season.
“We’ll work with those in the areas hardest hit to ensure the money reaches those in need to help people get back on their feet.
“We’re also going to direct half of the funds raised to BizRebuild to help support our local businesses that have been impacted with practical assistance.
“We know once the water disappears, the recovery continues, and we want to make sure we’re continuing to support where we can across our region.”
