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| [PHOTO: Graham Crumb/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0] |
Wellington: Following the recent natural catastrophe which has ravaged the island of Vanuatu, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that in a show of solidarity and support for the wider cricket community, it will be offering its support through the platform of one of its official charity partners, UNICEF, at the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup quarter finals between Australia versus Pakistan in Adelaide and New Zealand versus West Indies in Wellington.
The ICC, alongside the co-hosts of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket, will jointly contribute $200,000 USD to support UNICEF in its aid and recovery programmes in the region.
In addition, the ICC will provide promotional opportunities through LED advertising at these marquee fixtures as a platform to launch an appeal to the international community to lend its support to the Pacific island.
Commenting on the initiative, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “It is hard not to be affected by the horrific images which have emanated from Vanuatu in recent days. Having recently supported the area as part of the ICC’s ongoing Development programme in the Eastern Asian Pacific region, through significant investment in the island’s cricket facilities which have been severely damaged, the ICC has taken these steps to give back to the game and support the people in the region at this challenging time.
“The ICC is appealing to the international community to donate whatever it can to help the people of Vanuatu get back on their feet. Any donation over the coming days and weeks, however large or small, would be gratefully received.”
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland added: “Australian cricket fans have a long tradition going back to the 2005 Tsunami cricket match of showing that cricket cares at times of crisis.
“I hope they can dig deep to show they care about our Vanuatu neighbours as well. Please log on to the online donation address at www.unicef.org.au”, he said.
New Zealand Cricket CEO David White encouraged New Zealand fans and World Cup fans in New Zealand to support the fund.
“New Zealanders understand all too well the trauma and shock caused by the effects of natural disaster,” said White.
“This time it's one of our South Pacific neighbours which needs help, and I’m sure cricket lovers throughout the country will want to join us in offering assistance.”
Dr Norman Gillespie, CEO UNICEF Australia said: “The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has driven a spirit of sportsmanship through the competition in Australia and New Zealand.
“However, an extraordinary show of sportsmanship is to give a hand up to another in need, and the international cricket community has shown its true colours in responding for communities in Vanuatu and the other island nations affected by Cyclone Pam,”
“We congratulate the ICC and the entire cricket community for its passionate support of UNICEF’s rapid response to the Cyclone Pam emergency. Please donate, and donate now to keep supplies flowing at www.unicef.org.au.”