Townsville locals still doing it tough from the recent floods received a welcome boost today when Canberra Raiders head coach, Ricky Stuart and players witnessed the presentation by their major sponsor Huawei of a donation for $10,000 to the Queensland Flood Appeal.
The group visited Thuringowa State High School – a Clontarf Academy, where Huawei Corporate Affairs Director, Jeremy Mitchell presented a cheque to Townsville City Councillor, Maurie Soars.
“The floods were destructive and incredibly disruptive. People are still trying to put their lives, homes, businesses and farms back together after the disaster,” Mr Mitchell said.
“With the Raiders’ support, we are delighted we can help. Adversity brings out the best in people and Townsville showed that to all Australian’s during the floods. We are honored to be in a position to help with this donation. We are also pleased to have the Raiders here to see firsthand the hard work the people of Townsville have done over the past few weeks to get life back to normal, especially for the Clontarf Academy staff and students who we partner with nationally.”
Ricky Stuart praised the efforts of the community to come together during this difficult time.
“The care and support the community has shown for each other was inspiring and a great example of the human spirit. It’s at the toughest times you find out who your mates are, who you are and what you’re made of. We all saw what Townsville is made of,” he said.
Ricky encouraged the students to support each other through their learning journey at the Academy and as future leaders be responsible for their actions and focus on their goals.
“It’s great to see the Clontarf boys’ joy and enthusiasm for Rugby League. Sport, especially NRL, is helping them focus on their education and the results here at the Clontarf Academy are heartening - the boys should be really proud of themselves.
“I want to thank Huawei for their donation to the appeal and ongoing support for organisations like Clontarf. It makes us proud as a football team to have our major sponsor be more than just a logo on the jersey. They are genuine in their grassroots work and today’s event highlights their commitment to community groups,” he said.
Clontarf Academy Regional Manager Townsville, Nathan Perrin said the students were thrilled to see their NRL heroes.
“Many school families are doing it tough and the visit by the NRL stars is a great boost,” he said.
Thuringowa State High School Principal, Grant Dale praised Clontarf Academy staff and thanked Huawei for their ongoing commitment to Indigenous education.
“Having Clontarf at Thuringowa means we have a dedicated team working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male students to improve the lives and employment prospects of these young men,” he said.
“Without the support of companies like Huawei, the Foundation would not be able to continue to educate and nurture indigenous kids.”
Cr Soars said the Townsville Community has been overwhelmed by the support and thanked Huawei for its contribution to the plight.
The Canberra Raiders are in Townsville ahead of their game against the North Queensland Cowboys. Huawei will provide 20 family passes to the school for the Cowboys v Raiders game on Saturday 6 April at 1300Smiles Stadium.
Donations to the Queensland Flooding Appeal can be made here: http://givit.org.au/disasters
