Hawthorn will honour the work of those on the frontline of the response to the covid-19 pandemic in the second annual Emergency Services Match in Round 17.
In 2020 the match is particularly pertinent to Emergency Services organisations in Victoria. In a year like no other these organisations have been considerably tested, first in response to the devastating bushfires at the beginning of the year and since then as they work on the frontline response to the pandemic.
The Emergency Service Match is an opportunity to thank these dedicated people while also raising awareness of the impact this work can have on the mental health and wellbeing of all of the people working tirelessly in these fields.
Hawthorn would like to acknowledge the work of all its Emergency Services partner organisations: Emergency Management Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police, the CFA, Life Saving Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Victorian State Emergency Service, ESTA 000, St John Ambulance, Red Cross, the Victoria Council of Churches and Marine Search and Rescue. These people do incredible work each and every day in protecting the community.
More than half of all employees and volunteers in Emergency Services are likely to experience a traumatic event that will deeply affect them during their career.
The Emergency Services Match provides an opportunity to raise funds for the Emergency Services Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across the entire Emergency Management sector.
Hawks CEO Justin Reeves highlighted the powerful role football can play in showing support for these organisations and their personnel, particularly in 2020.
“These people go to work each day, just like you and me, but each day they put an incredible amount on the line for the sake of the community,” said Reeves.
“Football provides us with a powerful platform to celebrate the contribution of these brave individuals.
“Even though we are unable to be in Victoria and celebrate them as we had planned, we are still able to shine a light on their important work, through the platform of football.
“I am really pleased that the match remains on the football calendar and that it will return in 2021.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville emphasised the enormous year 2020 has been for Emergency Services personnel.
“Over the last year – throughout bushfires, torrential storms and a global pandemic – we’ve seen the incredible work that our emergency service volunteers do every day to serve and support their communities. This match is a great opportunity to celebrate their ongoing dedication and thank them for all they do.”
The Hawks would like to thank TAC and the Victorian Government for coming on board to support the match in a combined effort to shine a light on Emergency Services and Frontline personnel.
Hawthorn will play the Bulldogs in the second annual Emergency Services Match in Round 17 on Sunday 13 September at 3.35pm at Adelaide Oval.
