More than $20,000 has been raised from the Football for Firies event, which culminated in a gathering at The Fraternity Club last Saturday.
The bushfire appeal fundraiser attracted a collection of retired professional footballers as an Albion Park City Invitational XI played the Wollongong Wolves at Ian McLennan Park.
Spearheaded by former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire, the Albion Park City squad featured the likes of Scott Chipperfield, Brett Emerton, Steve Corica, David Carney, Patrick Zwaanswijk and former Wests Tigers star Robbie Farah. The Wollongong Wolves won 6-3.
As the evening rolled on, so did the fundraising with organiser Adrian Arciuli hosting an auction and Q&A in The Frat’s auditorium.
“I had a chat with Luke Wilkshire just recently and that evolved into the idea of a bushfire appeal fundraiser,” he said.
Some comments from those who took part in the game and assisted to raise more than $20,000 to support bushfire victims.
Luke Wilkshire: “The cause and what we made money for was fantastic.”
Scott Chipperfield: “I retired from football six months ago but when I got the call to play in this game, I instantly said yes.’’
Phil Moss: “The event was about raising funds and it was pleasing to see what was achieved.”
Robbie Farah: “I’m a massive football fan. It was an honour to play with some of these guys who I would watch on television every week.”