Howzat! Charity appeals for Aussies to play backyard cricket
16 January 2021 at 8:00 am
The inaugural National Backyard Cricket Day has won the support of cricketing royalty including Justin Langer, Alyssa Healy and Michael Holding
Australians are being urged to drag out their wheelie bins and play a game of backyard cricket this month to raise money for education projects across the country and overseas.
Batting for Change, a fundraising arm of The LBW Trust charity, is officially launching the inaugural National Backyard Cricket Day on 31 January.
Throughout January, people can register to play a game of backyard cricket and encourage their friends and families to donate.
All money raised from donations and registration fees will be split equally between grants for community libraries across Australia and The LBW Trust’s overseas education programs.
Ted Alexander, the chair of Batting for Change, said National Backyard Cricket day was an opportunity for the community to come together and create fun memories after a challenging 12 months.
“The pandemic and subsequent recession have had a severe impact on rural areas in Australia as well as the communities we support in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Indonesia and Afghanistan,” Alexander said.
“We’re proud to have been able to help people in these cricket-playing countries complete their tertiary education, and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing community support which allows us to continue to do this.”
Cricketing royalty have come out in support of the event, including Justin Langer, Alyssa Healy and Michael Holding.
Langer, the coach of the Australian men’s cricket team, said he was proud to be an ambassador for the cause.
“We’ve all got amazing memories of playing backyard cricket, so the 31 January is a great opportunity to get all your family and friends together and raise some important funds for some unbelievable initiatives,” Langer said.
Triple M will host a marquee backyard cricket game early next month, featuring media and Australian cricket personalities.
Governor-general David Hurley will also host a game at Government House on 4 February, during which the total funds raised will be announced.
You can register for the event here.
