The NSW Waratahs are proud to partner with Australia Red Cross to help raise money for the Australian Red Cross Tonga Recovery Appeal after the devasting Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption.
The situation in Tonga is still serious and humanitarian needs are high with over 80% of the population (about 84,000 people) affected by the disaster. Homes and vital infrastructure have been destroyed, water sources contaminated, and the agricultural sector has suffered, with substantial damage to crops, livestock and fisheries.
To raise funds for the recovery efforts the NSW Waratahs will be collecting donations at their opening round of the Super Rugby Pacific season against the Fijian Drua at CommBank Stadium on February 18 and are also encouraging the NSW Rugby community to donate online to the Australian Red Cross Tonga Recovery Appeal.
Donations to the Tonga Recovery Appeal will support a 24-month recovery operation that addresses the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable 17,000 people across the country, including:
• Distribution of emergency shelter items
• Support to help people recover their livelihoods through cash and voucher assistance and planting home gardens and crops
• Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene
• Strengthening Tonga Red Cross’s preparedness for future disaster events (including infrastructure, transport and set up of Emergency Response centres)
NSW Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn said “Tonga contributes so much to our great game, including at the Waratahs, and we are honoured to partner with the Australian Red Cross Tonga Recovery Appeal and do what we can to help our Pacific neighbours in their time of need.
“Rugby has a long history of bringing people together and we hope the NSW rugby public can get behind this initiative to help support the ongoing relief efforts in Tonga.”
Australian Red Cross’ Head of International Programs, Alex Mathieson said: “The latest assessments indicate it will take at least two years for Tonga to fully recover from the widespread damage caused by the volcano and tsunami. We are pleased to be joining forces with the NSW Waratahs to raise funds to provide practical support to the kingdom through our Tonga Recovery Appeal.
“We're extremely grateful to the team and their fans for their support, and their willingness to help Tongan families rebuild after this disaster.”
Donations can be made at https://www.redcross.org.au/rugby/ with all donations over $2 tax deductible.
