(Reuters) – Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan has raised A$28,000 ($19,365) for an Australian bushfire animal rescue charity after a novel shot-stopping fundraiser in England’s Premier League.
Twenty-eight people have been killed and thousands made homeless in recent months as huge fires scorched through 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres), nearly half the area of the United Kingdom.
“Thank you to all for your amazing support in regards to the situation back home,” Ryan, who will send his funds to the WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue emergency fund, posted on Twitter here
With the Australian Open set to begin next week, tennis players have also been donating to relief efforts.
On Sunday, Serena Williams said she would donate her prize-money from winning the Auckland Classic while Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal will feature in an exhibition to raise funds.
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said last week he was donating $500,000 towards wildlife rescue efforts, and cricket great Shane Warne’s “baggy green” cap raised more than A$1 million for the bushfire relief efforts.
A group of nine Australian players from the National Basketball Association have committed $750,000 towards the relief and recovery efforts.
