OzHarvest Canberra appointed CA Brumbies’ No. 1 ticketholder

Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan, Patrick Phibbs and OzHarvest Canberra Coordinator David Burnet

OZHarvest Canberra has been appointed the CA Brumbies’ number one ticketholder for the 2010 Investec Bank Super 14 season.

OzHarvest Canberra is the ACT and region’s first perishable food rescue charity and has been operating since February 2008. During that time they have delivered over 350,000 meals to more than 45 charities and refuges in Canberra and Queanbeyan. To date they have saved over 100 tonnes of food from being wasted with food donors including food retailers, restaurants, event caterers, manufacturers, institutions and corporate offices.

OzHarvest Sydney founder Ronni Kahn was recognised as Australia’s Local Hero 2010 at the Australian of the Year Awards last month.

Today CA Brumbies stars Patrick Phibbs and Matt Toomua were on hand to launch the partnership with volunteers from OzHarvest Canberra. The players are just two CA Brumbies who have spent time ‘on the road’ with the OzHarvest Canberra crew during 2009/2010.

The relationship between the two organisations kicked off last year when the CA Brumbies rode from Canberra to Mount Kosciuszko, with the event raising in excess of $25,000.

OzHarvest Canberra Coordinator Dave Burnet says the partnership will provide additional awareness of the Canberra charity.

“We’re extremely pleased to be associated with the Brumbies in 2010,” he said. “Our drivers and volunteers work tirelessly to collect and distribute food throughout Canberra and Queanbeyan and they’ve got a real buzz out of doing the rounds with the Brumbies players.

“This is a great opportunity for OzHarvest Canberra to use our association with the Brumbies to let everyone know about the service we provide in rescuing quality unused food and delivering it to those who really need it.

“Most of the OzHarvest crew are massive Brumbies fans, so we’re very pleased and grateful to be on board with the Brumbies in 2010.”

As number one ticket holder, OzHarvest Canberra will receive premium season passes and tickets for volunteers to attend CA Brumbies matches throughout the season as well as fundraising opportunities in conjunction with the CA Brumbies during the year.

Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says the number one ticket is recognition for the work OzHarvest Canberra does in the community.

“OzHarvest Canberra provides a vital service to local charities and refuges allowing them to relocate funds they’d spend on food elsewhere,” he said. “The figures around the amount of food that OzHarvest Canberra saves is phenomenal and we’re proud of our association with OzHarvest Canberra in assisting numerous other local charities.

“The appointment of OzHarvest Canberra as our number one ticketholder is designed to highlight the great service they provide as well as assisting to with some much-needed funds to allow them to continue collecting and providing food for the needy in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

“A number of our players have spent time with the volunteers in the yellow vans. They’ve all come back having enjoyed their time, feeling they’ve made a small difference and helped contribute to our community.”

‘Stand As One’ and become a CA Brumbies member in 2010. Visit http://www.brumbies.com.au