Prize Bat aids Earthquake Relief

A prize cricket bat donated by the ACB and signed by all players involved in the 1999-2000 Australia v India series has raised $2375 for earthquake victims in Gujarat State, India, taking a national fund raising total beyond $2.25 million.

The bat which includes the signatures of modern day greats Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath and Sachin Tendulkar was sold at 7:13pm last night by online auction house eBay which was linked to the ACB's official website www.baggygreen.com.au. The sale will assist international charity organisation World Vision purchase emergency supplies such as food, clothing and medical items for the stricken region.

Lloyd Lazaro, World Vision's corporate partners executive, was pleased with the total amount raised by the sale of the commemorative bat.

"We were hoping to raise about $2000 for the quake victims from the auction, so we are pleased to have exceeded this amount," Mr Lazaro said.

Funds raised by the sale of the bat have added to the $165,000 the ACB has already assisted World Vision generate for the Indian earthquake appeal. This amount was raised by a phone poll run during the second final of the Carlton Series on 9 February.

According to Mr Lazaro, the ACB's public support for the cause has prompted many Australians to donate money.

"Our cricketers have led a national fund raising campaign which has demonstrated yet again the generosity of Australians towards people in need," Mr Lazaro said. "Unfortunately the scale of the disaster is such that we can use all these funds and still need more."

The ACB's General Manager of Public Affairs Mr Brendan McClements said both the Board and the players were delighted to assist India in its time of need.

"The Australian Cricket Board is pleased to have made this contribution to the appeal and we are sure that World Vision will put the money to good use." Mr McClements said.