Westpac NSW Blues Men and Women raise $125,000
True Blues Olivia Kernick and Keeley Davis were on hand today for a cheque presentation worth $125,000 to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Services in NSW as part of the ‘Tries for Lives’ campaign that ran during the Ampol State of Origin series.
Westpac, major partner of the Westpac NSW Blues Men and Women, pledged to donate $5000 for every try that was scored by either team during their respective Origin campaigns with both teams combining for a total of 25 tries.
Davis and Kernick were joined at the presentation today at the La Perouse helicopter base by Jason Stephens, State General Manager Retail Banking, NSW & ACT at Westpac.
The Westpac NSW Blues raised $55,000, while the Westpac NSW Blues Women raised $70,000 with Kernick, who claimed the Nellie Doherty Medal for Player of the Series, contributing to the tally after grabbing a double in Game Two In Sydney to help wrap up the series.
“The NSWRL is extremely proud of the work that the Westpac NSW Blues Men and Women do to assist the community,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“The ‘Tries for Lives’ is a wonderful initiative from our major partner Westpac that will benefit people in need, and it was great to see the number of times our players crossed the line throughout their respective State of Origin campaigns to contribute to this.”
Stephens said: “We’re delighted to be making this donation today which will help keep Aussies safe this summer, whether they’re at our beautiful beaches or out in the bush.
“Well done to the incredible Westpac NSW Blues Men and Women who crossed that try line and secured this substantial donation – everyone at Westpac was cheering twice as loud for each try knowing what it was worth.”
Shane Daw, General Manager Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, NSW Southern Service said: “The Westpac partnership keeps giving and helps support us to do what we do best, and that is save lives. Every dollar goes back into providing this essential service to the community of NSW.
“We are super proud of both the men’s and women’s Blues team and congratulate them on a great series.”
The 'Tries for Lives' initiative underscores Westpac's ongoing commitment to communities across NSW, whether that’s in the air through the support of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, or at grassroots level with NSWRL, the NRL, and Queensland Rugby League.
Westpac is proud to be the naming rights partner of the NSW Blues and NSW Blues Women, featuring on the front of the iconic jersey which showcases a partnership that champions diversity and inclusion in sport and one that goes beyond game.
Westpac has proudly supported the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) since its inception in Sydney in 1973. The WLRHS incorporates Services across Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, as well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Northern NSW and Tasmanian Services.
