Tabcorp has announced that it will donate more than AU$1.5m to the country’s bushfire relief, called the worst in decades having destroyed a projected 10 million hectares (100,000 sq km) of land since July 1.
Donated via its TAB, Sky Racing, the Lott, MAX and Keno brands, all Tabcorp proceeds from its regular Saturday Lotto draw on January 25 will be donated to the bushfire relief effort, which is expected to be in excess of $1.5 million. The draw will be known as the Bushfire Benefit Draw.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to the many Australians that have lost loved ones, homes or their livelihood during this national crisis,” commented David Attenborough, Tabcorp chief executive officer.
“The Australian spirit has been truly inspirational throughout this ordeal and the Tabcorp Group is pleased to play its part in supporting the recovery effort.”
Furthermore, the firm has also provided financial relief to hotels and clubs that have been directly impacted by bushfires and relief operations.
This comes in addition to the $100,000 donation made by Tabcorp’s Keno brand to assist Team Rubicon in late 2019 in their efforts to clean and rebuild bushfire affected communities, particularly those who have lost property in the northern New South Wales region.
Tabcorp is also dollar matching donations made to bushfire relief charities by its 5,000 employees, as well as amending its existing volunteering policy to provide open-ended paid leave for volunteer firefighters and reservists throughout this time.
“Many of our own people have been deeply impacted by these bushfires. We have partners in pubs, clubs, newsagents and retail outlets across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia that have been devastated and we’re committed to providing as much support as we can during this difficult time,” added Attenborough.
