Players supporting RiseForAlex

Author: warriors.com.au
Timestamp: Wed 9 Jul 2014, 11:51 AM

Vodafone Warriors players are joining forces with clubs across the NRL to support the RiseForAlex fundraising campaign.

Veteran winger Manu Vatuvei posted a selfie on his Twitter account last night - SEE MANU'S TWEET BELOW – showing his support by wearing a RiseForAlex wristband with the hashtag #RiseForAlex. Many of his team-mates are joining the selfie initiative as well.

The NRL has launched a dedicated RiseForAlex programme covering matches played in the 19^th and 20^th rounds.

Features of the RiseForAlex schedule are:

The NRL will donate one dollar to the RiseForAlex Fund for every rugby league fan who attends any match during round 19.

Fans can make donations by purchasing a RiseForAlex wristband. These will be sold at all matches across the RiseForAlex Round (round 19 and 20) including the Vodafone Warriors’ encounter with Manly at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, July 27.

Fans can also make donations online at www.riseforalex.org.au or by texting RiseForAlex to +61 498 555 555.

Channel Nine’s Footy Show will host a telethon during its broadcast on July 17, with the call centre open from 8.30pm AEST. Telstra will host the call centre with 150 Telstra volunteers and players from several clubs who will be assisting with answering calls during the night.

The NRL’s broadcast partners Fox Sports, 2GB and Triple M have also thrown their support behind the round.

“Being at the game in Round 19 is going to be a great occasion,” said McKinnon in a video interview played at the launch of the RiseForAlex Round.

“Newcastle has looked after me and the whole community has looked after me over the last few months. I am really looking forward to going to the game.

“With the community of the NRL, my family, Teigan, all my mates and everyone from Newcastle, it hasn’t been easy but they have made it a lot easier and I would just like to say thank you.”

NRL chief executive Dave Smith encouraged everyone involved in rugby league to support the programme.

“Alex McKinnon has brought the rugby league community together like never before with his positive attitude and contagious smile,” he said.

“Through the toughest of times, he has continued to display a brand of courage, determination and spirit that lifts everyone around him.

“Alex represents a true role model for everyone in the game.

“The rugby league community supports one another in times of need and we are calling on fans to come together for Alex McKinnon.”

The RiseForAlex Fund has been established to provide ongoing financial and medical support to the Newcastle Knights’ forward who was injured during Newcastle’s third-round match against Melbourne this year.

#RiseForAlex @konzhurrell #WarriorsForever pic.twitter.com/FfBrk5f0xD
— Vodafone Warriors (@NZWarriors) July 9, 2014

The RiseForAlex Fund is independently managed by a board of directors to ensure ongoing support is provided to McKinnon now and into the future.

The fund will look to provide support for accessible housing, a vehicle, a wheelchair, physiotherapy and rehabilitation assistance as well as ongoing medical assistance as required.