A challenge has been issued to all major sponsors of NRL Clubs to match the $50,000 donation made today by Bulldogs’ major sponsor Jaycar for this weekend’s fundraising appeal for the #RiseForAlex Fund.
Jaycar’s latest donation is in addition to the $10,000 they contributed during the Bulldogs own #RiseForAlex fundraiser during Round 8 of the Telstra Premiership and brings the total raised by the wider Bulldogs family to $75,000.
“I believe this terrible tragedy has shown just how noble human beings can be,” said Gary Johnston, Managing Director of Jaycar Electronics.
“Alex hasn’t gone into his shell, instead he’s shown some of the best characteristics of human behaviour: nobility and the ability to rise above this affliction. He’s an example to us all in the way he’s coping with his situation and we wish him all the best for a full recovery.
“If a few dollars can help his recovery then so be it, and I challenge other business people around Australia to find some money to help this young man cope with the rest of his life.”
Jaycar has also today made a $20,000 donation to support the recovery programme for 15 year old Bulldogs fan Curtis Landers who suffered a serious neck injury while playing for the Forster Tuncurry Hawks earlier this year.
Bert Gallagher Oval in Gloucester will play host to five rugby league matches as part of a joint fundraiser between the Gloucester Magpies and Forster Tuncurry Hawks for the Curtis Landers Appeal this Saturday.
Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle has applauded Jaycar’s contributions.
“Alex McKinnon has had a profound impact on a lot of people and Gary Johnston, CEO of our major sponsor Jaycar, has been particularly moved by his predicament,” Castle said.
“He’s a very generous person who is keen to make a positive difference to the Rugby League community and I encourage other organisations to take up his challenge to donate to the ‘#RiseForAlex Fund.
“Importantly, Jaycar has also recognised the challenges facing young Curtis Landers who is in need of support on his journey to recover from a serious neck injury and this donation will be of great help to the Landers family.
“The Bulldogs are really honoured to be associated with an organisation like Jaycar and everyone at the Club applauds the philanthropy of Gary and his team.”
Both these donations continue Jaycar’s history of supporting Rugby League players in need of assistance, with the company also contributing through the Men of League Foundation to the support programmes for Alex Walker and Shane Green in their recovery from neck injuries.
