Both local Vodacom Super Rugby matches on Saturday 12 May, when the DHL Stormers will be hosting the Chiefs at DHL Newlands (15h05) and the Vodacom Bulls take on the Cell C Sharks at Loftus Versfeld (17h15), have been dedicated to the fundraising efforts of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, with the target set at R50 000.
Serious injuries happen at all levels of the game and can happen in the blink of an eye, in spite of all precautions being taken to prevent them.
The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund partners rugby players who have sustained life-changing injuries, most of which are disabling and extremely challenging for not only for them but also for their families. Help from the Players’ Fund starts from field-side, to their hospital beds, throughout the often lengthy rehabilitation process, once back home and then indefinitely.
With 107 former players around the country, now members of the Players' Fund, it is not difficult to imagine the level of funding needed to keep the brave young men mobile, healthy and motivated. It is the Players’ Fund’s role to ensure no rugby player is ever forgotten and has, since 1980 strived to live up to the reputation of being Rugby’s Caring Hands.
On Saturday 12 May 2018 the Vodacom Super Rugby matches at DHL Newlands and Loftus Versfeld will be dedicated to the Players’ Fund’s fundraising activities which will be taking place throughout the day as well as in the week leading up to the matches.
At both venues, a local rugby team dressed in Players’ Fund branded t-shirts will be collecting change from spectators, while also promoting the use of an SMS line that will enable the public to SMS “Rugby” followed by their name to 49701 at a cost of R30/sms (network & admin fees apply) which will go towards the cause.
Morné du Plessis, Chairman of the Players’ Fund and former Springbok captain said: “I am grateful for all those who have been instrumental in the dedication of these two matches to the fundraising efforts of the Players’ Fund. It is my belief that if we are supporting rugby, we need to support those whose lives are changed through the game too.”
Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, said: "The Players' Fund do magnificent work in assisting rugby players who have suffered life-changing injuries and we are not only very grateful to them, but also very happy to be partnering with them in this great initiative, along with our Vodacom Super Rugby franchises."
This commitment from SA Rugby and the teams taking part in the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament is monumental for the Players’ Fund and demonstrates the brotherhood and team spirit that rugby is so well known for.
If you would like any further information, on the Players’ Fund or to pledge further support, please call (021) 659 5615 or email events@playersfund.org.za.
We are proud to serve in the wonderful game of rugby by assisting injured rugby players – please join us!
For more info:
Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund – www.playersfund.org.za
The Players’ Fund is often the first to hear of traumatic/catastrophic injuries via the BokSmart (National Rugby Safety Programme) reporting process. Following the on-field care and admission to hospital, the immediate needs of the individual and their family are assessed and the Fund steps in to assist with these. When mobility equipment is required , the Fund purchases the essentials, which might include any or all of the following; an electric wheelchair, a back-up manual wheelchair, pressure relieving cushion and mattress, hospital bed, hoist, shower commode and the provision of medical consumables, with extraordinary requests also considered.
The maintenance of all equipment purchased by the Fund is another commitment made by the Fund to ensure that our injured players stay mobile and as far as possible independent.
The Fund is also involved in efforts to make rugby safer. This is done through a joint initiative with SA Rugby. BokSmart is the National Rugby Safety programme that creates awareness of rugby injuries and educates coaches and referees on rugby safety to ensure that seriously injured players are looked after as effectively as possible on the field to reduce long-term injury.
• Website: www.playersfund.org.za
• Telephone: (021) 659 5615
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayersFund/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/playersfundsa
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playersfund_sa/
• For media enquiries contact Tori Gardner at events@playersfund.org.za