MrCharisma
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Bulldogs and Storm fans are encouraged to attend what should be a blockbuster game this Friday night at Telstra Stadium dressed in their team's colours, ready to cheer and carrying a tin of food.
The tin may not be standard fare at a footy game but this Friday it will be used to assist needy people in the Bulldogs heartland of south west Sydney.
The wives, partners and family members of Bulldogs players and coaches will be manning collection points at Telstra Stadium ready to receive the much needed non-perishable food or monetary donations to assist the Salvation Army in the crisis work they carry out.
Lina Utai (wife of Matt), Sandy O'Meley (wife of Mark), Arwa El Masri (wife of Hazem), Shana Hughes (wife of Corey) and Karen and Hayley Folkes (wife and daughter of Steve) and Captain Lyn Prince from The Salvation Army Campsie Community Services Centre announced the food drive inititiative today at Belmore Sports Ground.
Sandy O'Meley, wife of Bulldogs prop Mark O'Meley said, "The families of most NRL players sit in a very fortunate position with regard to their income and lifestyle. However, if it weren't for the ability that the players have with a football their lives may be very different and they could have needed a helping hand from the Salvation Army."
The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of material aid in Australia, through more than 260 community service centres nationwide. The Campsie branch services an area right in the middle of the Bulldogs' heartland from Five Dock to Earlwood to Wiley Park and Lakemba.
All food and donations will go directly to the branch and will be used to assist those in need in the area.
Karen Folkes, wife of Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said, "We're asking supporters to come along to the game and drop off a tin of food or a packet of two-minute noodles, any food that doesn't need refrigeration.
"If supporters are coming straight from work and don't have the chance to grab any food then they can drop some coins or notes into the collection buckets.
"I've known for a very long time what great support Bulldogs fans give to the team and to the club. I know they will give the same level of support to the local community via the Campsie branch of the Salvation Army."
Captain Lyn Prince from The Salvation Army Campsie Community Services Centre said, "We greatly appreciate this wonderful support from the Bulldogs.
"Last year The Salvation Army assisted over one million Australians. The food and moneys raised will help greatly in assisting those less fortunate in inner western Sydney. I know that many Bulldogs players and their wives are aware of our work in the community and their support for this project is greatly appreciated."
Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad said, "The Salvos play an important role in the community with their assistance to families and individuals in need. And their collaboration with our players "better halves" on Friday night will hopefully inspire everyone to bring along some food or drop some coins in a bucket to support our local community."
www.bulldogs.com.au
