The chair of the local organising committee for Ironman Mike Reid has praised the organisations Foundation for launching a bushfire humanitarian relief campaign.
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The Ironman Foundation has tipped in $75,000 to kick off the relief fund.
Mr Reid said the global Foundation had a history of supporting communities at the local level.
"As a committee we are extremely happy that Ironman has become involved in both localised and national issues such as the bushfires," he said.
"I think it is important to help the community that helps us as an organising committee and Ironman.
"It is a pretty big financial input into the community and no doubt it will help those people that really need assistance right now.
"Ironman is supporting the area that supports them," he said.
Mr Reid said the annual Ironman event utilises local facilities and it was fitting that the worldwide Foundation had thrown its support behind the bushfire effort.
The relief campaign is a nod to the Port Macquarie community for their support over many years.
"Our committee is happy that Ironman is supporting this area," he added.
Funds raised through donations will be used to assist a range of programs and groups in Australia, including the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Red Cross and the Blue Mountains Bushfire Mayoral Relief Fund.
Our committee is happy that Ironman is supporting this area.
- Mike Reid
President and chief executive officer for The Ironman Group Andrew Messick said the thoughts of everyone within Ironman are with those who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires.
"Athletes, volunteers, staff and their family and friends have been affected, and so it is important that we band together to make a difference during this difficult time," he said.
Ironman Foundation executive director Sarah Hartmann said she hopes the Foundation makes a real difference to those communities that are in need.
"We're incredibly grateful that we're able to launch this global Humanitarian Relief Campaign through the Ironman Foundation," she said.
"Our Ironman 'Ohana is incredibly generous, and we look forward to making a difference in Australia thanks to their support."
The Ironman Foundation has set up multiple initiatives to support those affected by the Australian bushfires at www.ironmanfoundation.org/relief:
The Foundation creates positive, tangible change in race communities by engaging athletes and volunteers to participate in programs that demonstrate service through sport and commitment to community.
Since 2003 over $50,000,000 has been provided through giveback programs led by the Ironman Foundation to more than 8300 local, regional, national and global non-profit initiatives.
Through these partnerships, Ironman and Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series participants are powerfully linked to the community and together help leave a positive legacy behind in race communities long after event day.
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