A Team Effort for QLD Flood Relief

Being born, bred and educated in South East Queensland it has been shocking to see the flood disaster unfold. Although now based in Sydney, with family and friends living throughout the south eastern corner of Queensland there is a strong urge to assist in a tangible way.

As is often the case when disaster befalls us, the generosity of the human spirit can amaze. The countless volunteers appearing in local streets to provide their professional trade skills, heavy machinery, transport or simply to offer a pair of hands to start what must seem an insurmountable task in these first few hours since the water began to recede is heartwarming.

Social media has provided an unprecedented source of communication - initially, for news and instruction and, now, with a stream of offers appearing such as Queensland and NSW photographers offering their time and skills to help families start to re-build precious memories as many will have lost a lifetime of photos.

As a sporting nation, we are seeing the philanthropic nature of individuals and clubs as donations are made and events are quickly put together to further contribute to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal.

Some of the best tennis players in the world will gather at Melbourne Park on Sunday to 'Rally for Relief'. On the eve of the Australian Open, the event was a sell out within hours of going on sale.

Domestic and international cricket is playing their part with Queensland and NSW players pledging to donate their match fees from their rescheduled Twenty20 Big Bash game at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 29 January (it was due to be played this weekend at the Gabba). Cricket NSW will also donate all gate receipts from this match to the Appeal. This will add to the $24,899 raised at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday during the Twenty20 clash between Australia and England and the additional donation of $100,000 made by Cricket Australia. English cricketer, Kevin Pietersen, tweeted his willingness to make a contribution and sought suggestions on how he could do this. He is now auctioning personal memorabilia from the 2010/11 Ashes Series to raise money.

Queensland Reds twins Saia and Anthony Faingaa are giving 'A Day's Pay' by donating their match payments from Round 1 of the 2011 Super 15 Season, and have urged other players to do the same. The ARU is donating $50,000 and is also working with the Reds on other measures that will further support the communities affected. Harold Mitchell, the Chair of the Melbourne Rebels, the new Super 15 Rugby Union team, made a personal pledge of $100,000 to the Flood Relief Appeal.

AFL Players Association President and Brisbane Lions' player, Luke Power, announced a $150,000 donation from the players, and Brisbane Lions' Coach, Michael Voss, and some of his players got their hands dirty in Milton today to help local residents with their clean-up.

The Socceroos will wear shirts that read 'Australia Flood Relief Appeal - donate now' during their warm-up for their Asian Cup clash with South Korea in the early hours of Saturday morning (AEDT) to raise awareness of the floods. In addition, Socceroo Tim Cahill set up an auction offering flights and a private experience at his English Premier League Club, Everton, to raise money.

In Adelaide, the cyclists in the Santos Tour Down Under have announced all prize money won by individual riders at the Cancer Council Classic this Sunday will be donated to the Flood Relief Appeal. This will amount to $12,000.

Whether you are able to donate funds, services, goods or time it all contributes to the team effort. We encourage you to join us to do what you can.

More information is available at Queensland Flood Relief Appeal.