Australian team signs up to help NSW bushfire relief efforts through the Salvation Army and eBay
The Australian cricket team has pledged its support to the New South Wales bushfires relief effort by donating ten specially autographed cricket bats for auction.
Each bat has been signed by the twelve players on duty in the Second Orange Test match against South Africa in Melbourne, and they will be auctioned on the internet through eBay, the largest online auction site on the web.
Proceeds from the auctions will go to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund*.
Australian captain Stephen Waugh said: "Watching the events of the past ten days unfold, we have all been shocked by the devastation the fires have caused.
"By signing the bats and putting them up for auction on eBay, we hope we can contribute in some way to helping relief operations and affected communities rebuild their lives through the efforts of the Salvation Army."
Aside from the fact that money raised from the auction of the bats is going to such a worthy cause, the bats themselves have added historical significance.
Australia's nine-wicket victory in the Orange Test match in Melbourne not only clinched the series with one match to play after an earlier victory in Adelaide, but it also ensured Stephen Waugh's side retain top spot on the International Cricket Council's World Test Championship table.
Those members of the public interested in helping the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund by bidding for a bat can do so by visiting www.ebay.com.au
It is especially important that interested parties ensure they include the au at the end of the address as this will ensure they access eBay's Australian site, where details of the auction are displayed.
eBay is the largest online auction site on the web with more than 40 million users around the world. eBay Australia boasts well over one million unique visitors per month.
*Donations to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund can also be made by calling 13 32 30. The 'phone number is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
© 2001 Australian Cricket Board
| Teams | Australia. |
| First Class Teams | New South Wales. |
| Players/Umpires | Steve Waugh. |
| Tours | South Africa in Australia |
| External Links | eBay. |
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