Bushfire appeals raise more than $50m

Golfing great Greg Norman will tee off with a host of sporting big shots in a
celebrity tournament next week to support Victoria's bushfire victims.
Norman will be joined by the likes of cricketer Justin Langer and swimmer Todd
Pearson, at The Vines Resort in Queensland on Tuesday to help raise money for the
bushfire appeal.
Money raised on the day will be added to a contribution to be made by the Johnnie
Walker Classic which will be held at The Vines from February 19.
Players and officials at this week's Women's Australian Open at Metropolitan in
Melbourne have also pledged their support, while further help will come from AFL
fans and players at the NAB Cup game on the Gold Coast and from New Zealand rugby
fans at the season-opening round of Super 14 matches across the Tasman.
The ongoing support from the various sporting codes came as the Red Cross said funds
raised for the bushfire victims had topped $44 million.
The amount donated to the Salvation Army fund was $8.2 million, as of Wednesday
afternoon.
The Gold Coast Football Club, the Gold Coast City Council and the AFL have agreed to
donate 50 per cent of the proceeds from the game on Saturday between St Kilda and
the Brisbane Lions, a gesture expected to raise more than $70,000.
Brisbane Lions chief executive Michael Bowers said the club welcomed the opportunity
to be involved.
"The fires are clearly a national tragedy and we are pleased to be able work as part
of the AFL industry to do whatever we can to help," he said.
St Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser said the Melbourne club was equally committed
to the cause.
"This is a time when every contribution, regardless of the size will help the people
affected by the tragic events of the past week," he said.
On Friday New Zealand Red Cross volunteers will be on hand at the Super 14 match
between the Highlanders and the Brumbies in Dunedin, the Crusaders-Chiefs game at
Christchurch and the Hurricanes-Waratahs match in Wellington.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said with two Australian teams
playing in New Zealand (the Waratahs and Brumbies) on the opening weekend of the
Super 14 competition, it was timely for rugby in New Zealand to show its support.
"This is a human tragedy on an unimaginable scale and everyone involved in rugby in
New Zealand wishes to express our sympathy and concern for those who have lost loved
ones and provide tangible support for those now needing to rebuild their lives," he
said.
Players and spectators at all three matches in New Zealand and at the AFL match on
the Gold Coast will also be asked to observe a minute's silence before the games.
At the Women's Australian Open, the Ladies European Tour (LET) and Australian Ladies
Professional Golf (ALPG) Tour, who co-sanction the $500,000 event will donate $5 for
every birdie over the four days of competition.
ALPG Tour boss Warren Sevil said players were being invited to match this or to
donate some of their prize money.
"This tragedy has touched us all - the players have a new focus and are keen to
support the bushfire appeal," Sevil said.
"There is now an added incentive to play well for those affected by this disaster
and the tours are happy to help.
"Leading players have already committed significant dollars before they have hit a
shot, and we are confident 'Birdies for Bushfires' will generate much needed funds."
Among the 150 players teeing off on Thursday are four-time Australian Open winner
Karrie Webb, last week's ANZ Ladies Masters champion Katherine Hull and the 2008
European No.1 Gwladys Nocera.