Towards the end of 2019 and during the start of 2020, Australia experienced its worst fires on record and the suffering continues on a mass scale, affecting both humans and animals in unprecedented numbers.
Essex Overseas stars Peter Siddle and Adam Zampa, along with Kane Richardson, set up Wickets for Wildlife with the aim of raising 50,000 AUD (Australian dollar) to help WIRES Animal Wildlife Organisation, Wildlife Victoria and those without a voice suffering due to the fires.
The three players donated 200 AUD for every wicket they individually took throughout the Big Bash campaign and asked for support from anyone who could afford to help.
Essex players Alastair Cook, Ryan ten Doeschate, Tom Westley, Nick Browne and Sam Cook, along with Peter Siddle, donated their matchworn shirts from the 2019 season, giving fans and supporters the chance to own a piece of cricketing history.
There was plenty of interest and once the shirts had all sold to the highest bidders, the group had raised a total of £2,077.68, which is equivalent to just over 4,000 AUD.
On the donation, Peter Siddle said: “I’m so grateful to my Essex Cricket family for pulling together and donating to a cause that is close to my heart.
“It goes to show that everyone at the Club works together both on and off the pitch, and I know everyone at WIRES Animal Wildlife Organisation and Wildlife Victoria are grateful for the support.
“Hopefully we can get to our target of 50,000 AUD. Any more donations would be hugely appreciated, and I can assure you that your help and support really does make a difference.”
After donating the money raised to the Wickets for Wildlife campaign, Siddle, Zampa and Richardson’s total stands at just over 37,000 AUD, a monumental effort.
The Wickets for Wildlife campaign is still taking donations, and if you want to donate to this great cause, you can do so by visiting
www.mycause.com.au/page/220043/wickets-for-wildlife.
