Brisbane Roar’s Jamilla Rankin has encouraged the football community to give generously to flood relief efforts amid devastating scenes in her hometown and surrounding areas.
Rankin, 18, grew up in Rosebank in northern New South Wales and attended high school in nearby Lismore, which has sadly been at the centre of the heartbreaking scenes of recent weeks.
That is why the defender hopes anyone able to attend Thursday’s final Liberty A-League fixture can give generously towards GIVIT, which manages donations in partnership with the State Governments of Queensland and New South Wales.
The Roar will be collecting donations at James Drysdale Reserve, with all proceeds used to help fund vouchers for groceries, clothing, hardware and other items.
“Thankfully my family are all safe and houses are intact – it’s a different story for a lot of friends in the community,” Rankin said.
“Their homes are completely destroyed and it’s confronting seeing it all. You feel bad and a bit helpless in a way.
“My high school went two stories under. They’re going to have to completely rebuild. A lot of schools, hospitals, shops [have been damaged].
“There’s basically nothing left.”
Seeing the flood disaster unfold has been difficult for Roar players away from the field and on it, with training sessions and fixture plans impacted.
The prevailing message from the group in recent weeks has been about playing with pride for the city, the state and those affected.
It speaks volumes that they have compiled three consecutive victories – two on the road – leading into Thursday’s season-ending clash with Canberra.
“Everyone has a reason to play, a bit more motivation to do better,” Rankin said.
“It’s not been the easiest period with the weather and training but we’ve done what we can. We’ve come into each game fully prepared. We’ve been looking to get 12 points from 12 and we’re nearly there.
“Hopefully we can keep the momentum going into this last game against Canberra.”
To contribute to GIVIT causes, be sure to bring a gold coin to James Drysdale Reserve or do so online HERE.
The Roar Supporters Federation will also be welcoming donations of clothing and blankets at the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s match at Moreton Daily Stadium this Saturday, 12 March.
Images: Kyoko Kurihara
MATCH DETAILS
Liberty A-League
Brisbane Roar v Canberra United
Thursday, 10 March 2022
James Drysdale Reserve
KO: 4:15pm (QLD)
