Inaugural Emergency Services Appreciation Game
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
MCG
Sunday 5 April, 2.15pm
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ALL VOLUNTEERS involved in fighting the recent Victorian bushfires will receive free entry to the Western Bulldogs versus North Melbourne round two match at the MCG.
Bulldogs president David Smorgon said on Wednesday that 30,000 members of the emergency services would be invited and he was hopeful of getting twice that many through the gate for the match that has been dubbed the Emergency Services Appreciation game.
"Between the Kangaroos and Bulldogs when we played in the late '90s we had over 60,000 people. We would hope this game gets the support of the football public," Smorgon said.
"There is only one other game on in Melbourne that day and together with up to 30,000 volunteers that will get in for free hopefully we will get a crowd in excess of 60,000.
"We think this is a very small but important way that the football public, the AFL and all the clubs involved can say thank you to the unsung heroes, the representatives of these organisations that will be recognised all the day."
Representatives of the 22 emergency services organisations will be officially welcomed out to the centre of the oval before the game, while the Red Cross will be collecting donations.
Smorgon also said that Bulldogs members who lived in the bushfire-affected areas would receive a free membership this year.
"We have about 300 members that lived in the bushfire affected areas and we have sent a letter to those people. If they have already renewed their membership we will be giving them their money back. If they haven’t renewed we will give them a free membership for 2009 because we think that is the least we can do as a footy club."
All Emergency Services personnel will be able to collect up to four tickets by showing their identification at marquees outside the MCG.
Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bob Cameron, said he encouraged those who were involved in the Black Saturday fires to enjoy a day at the football with their family and friends.
"It’s another way we can show our appreciation to our men and women volunteers who have given so much of themselves.
"Football is a great way to relax and take time out, and I thank the AFL for giving our volunteers this well-earned opportunity," he said.
