Scorchers and Wildcats to donate to Perth Hills bushfires fund
Perth clubs unite in support
The Perth Scorchers and Perth Wildcats are set to unite in support of the Perth Hills bushfires this week.
The two clubs will donate $1 for every person in attendance at their games this week, with all money consolidated and donated to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund.
Last weekend 55 homes in the Parkerville area, east of Perth were destroyed by bushfires.
The Scorchers take on the Adelaide Strikers tonight at the Furnace, with a maximum capacity of 24,000, while the Wildcats host the New Zealand Breakers tomorrow at the Perth Arena, which can accommodate just under 14,000 fans.
Scorchers captain Simon Katich said it was important for the club to do what they can to support those affected.
“I grew up in the Swan Valley, not far from where the fires were up in the hills,” Katich said.
“It was a fantastic place to grow up, but there’s obviously a lot of bush around and when there’s extreme whether like we’ve had, with high winds, it doesn’t take much for a bushfire like that to start.
“I remember growing up and at times the hay would catch alight in the paddock.
“It was nothing to the extent of what we’ve seen in the past week, but it showed how easily and quickly these things can take off.
“It’s going to take a lot of funds and support to help rebuild the area, so every little bit helps and certainly our thoughts are with those affected.”
Among those touched by the devastation were families, members and volunteers of the Parkerville Junior Cricket Club and president Gavin Pearce said the community was rallying in support.
“We know we have some players who have lost their homes and plenty of others who are still evacuated and have not returned to their homes,” Pearce said.
“We also have parents who are volunteers with the many community fire and emergency services in the fire zone; our home ground at Parkerville Oval is now the emergency coordination centre.
“I’m aware that our neighbouring junior club, Eastern Hills JCC, also has parents and players who have been impacted and we will be looking out for each other.”