The Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association have been getting into the festive spirit and have done their bit to try and bring some Christmas cheer to families in need.
Members of the association were recently involved in refereeing a game at the RAAF Base at Amberley between two different Army units that compete annually in a range of different sports.
When were asked what they wanted as payment, the referees instead asked for a donation to be made to the Red Bag Appeal in aid of Wesley Mission.
The Red Bag Appeal collects non-perishable food items and Christmas groceries to give to families in need all across South East Queensland.
“The Association has refereed games out at the Base in the past and they have contacted us a couple of times to see if we have members able to go out there,” IRLRA vice president Katrina Anderson said.
“Queenslanders Credit Union is the major sponsor for our Association, and when they announced they were participating in collection for the Wesley Mission’s Red Bag Appeal, our members were only too happy to contribute.
“It was around this time that the Army contacted us in regards to this game and when the subject of referee payment arose, it was suggested that a donation be made to the Appeal.”
The Army representatives were also eager to support the cause and dropped another load of groceries at the Winston Glades branch of Queenslanders Credit Union in addition to the goods that were already donated via the IRLRA.
On the same day, the Association also donated $100 of groceries to the appeal.
Well done to all involved. Find out more about the Red Bag Appeal here.
