Community CPS Australia and the Vikings to tackle cerebral palsy

The country’s third largest credit union, Community CPS Australia, and the Vikings Rugby Club have teamed up to host the match day against Western District Lions Rugby Club on 18 June to raise funds and awareness for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Both teams will wear especially designed jerseys to be auctioned off after the match to the highest bidders, with all proceeds going to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Brad Harris, Rugby Manager of the Tuggeranong Vikings, said the club had a long-standing relationship with Community CPS and was happy to join their efforts to support the Alliance.

"Community CPS has supported our club a lot over the past few years, so it only made sense for us to help them raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and generate awareness of how much impact the Alliance has on those affected by the disease," said Brad.

"Hosting the match day against the Western Lions was an obvious choice – the club’s coach, Craig Robberds, is only too familiar with cerebral palsy and has a personal stake in helping the Alliance."

Mr Robberds, a member of the Western Lions for 16 years, lost his two year old daughter, Gabrielle, to a cerebral palsy related seizure shortly before her third birthday last year. He has since campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition and the outstanding work the Alliance does.

"Gabby benefited greatly from the services provided by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and without them she wouldn’t have been as comfortable and happy as she was. She loved the hydrotherapy, and the special computer equipment the Alliance provides made it much easier for Gabby to communicate – and to play as well," said Craig.

"Many cerebral palsy patients rely heavily on therapy and one-on-one support, and without the Alliance these services wouldn’t be accessible. I just want as many children as possible to benefit from these services, just like Gabby did, because there is nothing like seeing your child smile despite everything they go through."

"I hope that Vikings and Western Lions supporters as well as the general public come and join us at Viking Park for this special day, and help us raise much needed funds and awareness for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance."

The match day is taking place on Saturday, 18 June at Viking Park Erindale. Games start from 12.15pm, with the 1^st Grade match kicking off at 3.05pm, the fundraising auction will be held after the matches.