The IRONMAN Foundation Launches Australian Bushfires Humanitarian Relief Campaign
Funds raised through donations to assist a range of programs and groups in Australia
SYDNEY, Aus. / TAMPA, Fla. (January 13, 2019) – The IRONMAN Foundation® has today launched a global Humanitarian Relief Campaign to provide support for those affected by the devastating bushfires across Australia.
To start off the Humanitarian Relief Campaign, the IRONMAN Foundation has made a $75,000 AUD donation to assist communities in need. Funds raised through the campaign will be directed towards a number of groups and programs in Australia, including the Red Cross, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and the Blue Mountains Bushfire Mayoral Relief Fund.
“The thoughts of everyone at The IRONMAN Group are with those who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires across Australia,” said Andrew Messick, President & Chief Executive Officer for The IRONMAN Group. “Athletes, volunteers, staff and their family and friends have been affected, and so it is important that we band together to make a difference during this difficult time.”
Sarah Hartmann, Executive Director of the IRONMAN Foundation said, “We’re incredibly grateful that we’re able to launch this global Humanitarian Relief Campaign through the IRONMAN Foundation and make a real difference to those communities that are in need. Our IRONMAN® ‘Ohana is incredibly generous, and we look forward to making a difference in Australia thanks to their support.”
Dave Beeche, Managing Director of Oceania for The IRONMAN Group said, “It is hard to fathom the scale of the tragedy that is taking place and the impacts on people, wildlife and the environment. I am in awe of the extraordinary efforts of the fire service, other emergency services and so many others involved in trying to control the fires and provide all the necessary help for those impacted.
“The IRONMAN Group is proud that so many of our events take part in regional areas of Australia and this fundraising campaign will allow us to do our part to help these communities rebuild. Your homes are our homes and make our events the experiences they are for our participants and we are committing to supporting you now and into the future,” he said.
The IRONMAN Foundation has set up multiple initiatives to support those affected by the Australian bushfires at www.ironmanfoundation.org/relief:
- DONATE – Monetary donations may be made to the IRONMAN Foundation’s Australian bushfire campaign.
- T-SHIRT SALES – 100% of the proceeds raised through the sale of a custom t-shirts will go towards the IRONMAN Foundation’s Australian bushfires fundraising campaign.
- VOLUNTEER – Register to volunteer and provide hands-on recovery assistance at local service projects to be announced alongside upcoming Australian events.
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About the IRONMAN Foundation
The IRONMAN Foundation creates positive, tangible change in race communities by engaging athletes and volunteers to participate in programs that demonstrate service through sport and commitment to community. Since 2003, over $50,000,000 has been provided through giveback programs led by the IRONMAN Foundation to more than 8,300 local, regional, national and global nonprofit initiatives. Through these partnerships, IRONMAN and Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series participants are powerfully linked to the community and together help leave a positive legacy behind in race communities long after event day. For more information on IRONMAN Foundation programs, including Team IMF, Community Fund, Rock This Town®, Your Journey Your Cause, and Women For Tri, visit www.ironmanfoundation.org.
About The IRONMAN Group
As part of Wanda Sports Group, The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, IRONKIDS®, ITU World Triathlon Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and The Sun-Herald City2Surf® presented by Westpac, Ultra-Trail® World Tour events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with more than 235 events across 55+ countries. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.
About Wanda Sports Group
Wanda Sports Group (Nasdaq: WSG) is a leading global sports events, media and marketing platform with a mission to unite people in sports and enable athletes and fans to live their passions and dreams. Through our businesses, including Infront and The IRONMAN Group, we have significant intellectual property rights, long-term relationships and broad execution capabilities, enabling us to deliver unrivalled sports event experiences, creating access to engaging content and building inclusive communities. We offer a comprehensive array of events, marketing and media services through three primary segments: Mass Participation, Spectator Sports and Digital, Production, Sports Solutions (DPSS). Our full-service platform creates value for our partners and clients as well as other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, from rights owners, to brands and advertisers, and to fans and athletes. Headquartered in Beijing, China, Wanda Sports Group has more than 60 offices and 1,600 employees around the world.