TAB pledges funds for tsunami victims

The TAB has announced that proceeds from sports betting on the World Cricket Tsunami appeal charity match, between the ICC World Eleven and the Asia eleven, to take place in Melbourne on Monday January 10 will be given to the New Zealand Red Cross appeal to aid tsunami victims.

Chief Executive Graeme Hansen said today the tsunami disaster had touched lives all around the world and the TAB wanted to demonstrate its support of the huge international effort to assist survivors rebuild their world. Mr Hansen believed that the spirit in which this game had been arranged left no room for any business to profit from it.

Proceeds from all bets placed on the cricket match through the TAB’s 550 social outlets and 100 agencies as well as via the internet, touchtone and phonebetting would be contributed to the appeal. There are also donation boxes at all outlets and contributions to these will also be given to the Red Cross tsunami appeal.

Racing Clubs from all over the country have also come onboard. A number of clubs have already run collections while Red Cross staff and club members will be collecting on race courses in force over the next month.

Red Cross Communications Manager, Christine Langdon said the Red Cross was delighted by the TAB’s gesture.

“We need all the help we can get to assist with the ongoing relief effort which is required across the vast area devastated by the tsunami.”

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