Months after the worst flood in a century hit Kerala, the southern Indian state received a helping hand from Australia, which is home to more than 50,000 Keralites.
Five months after the natural calamity claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands without shelter, Cricket Australia has stepped forward with a new and novel way to extend a helping hand to the flood-ravaged Kerala as it recovers from the devastation.
A particular fundraising group booking was organized by Cricket Australia for 2019's first ODI between India and Australia as method of support to the affected Malayalee community, many of whom have been left with nothing. Cricket Australia in collaboration with the Sydney Malayalee Association was able to sell 500 tickets for the first ODI between India and Australia.
“Hearing about what happened over in India, we kind of came up with the fundraising group booking concept. It is the first time that we have done anything like this where a group booking has been used to raise funds for a really good cause,” Louise Jeffs Cricket Australia’s Business Development Manager told SBS Malayalam.
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This is the very first time we have looked at this opportunity, so the Malayalees have really piloted this and they embraced this opportunity.
“Credit to them for wanting to try different type of avenues to raise funds for a cause that is so close to their hearts,” adds Louise.
In addition to this, a widespread campaign to raise awareness about the flood-ravaged state now also has backing from Cricket Australia. This was conducted at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 12 at around 11:45am with more than 200 Malayalees gathering in front of the stadium performing drums and cultural programs before heading inside SCG.
The group which arrived in white costumes was also allotted two bays inside the stadium, not only to cheer for their favourite team but also to raise the message of rebuilding their homeland.
Source: Supplied
Source: Supplied
Source: Supplied
