Help Protect Those Who Protect Us – Say THANKS2U On 5 July

Thanks to thousands of emergency service workers across Victoria, regional and rural communities can feel supported and protected. The Emergency Services Foundation is asking Victorians to reciprocate that support by saying “Thanks To You” (THANKS2U) on Friday, 5 July, to help raise funds for support programs and wellbeing initiatives for paid and volunteer emergency services workers across the state. Victoria has around 100,000 emergency service staff and volunteers and they turn out to around 7000 emergency calls every day. “On 5 July, the AFL Emergency Services Match featuring Hawthorn and Collingwood will celebrate Victoria’s emergency service personnel highlighting the challenging work they routinely do for all Victorians and their invaluable contribution to our community,” said Ms Siusan MacKenzie, Emergency Services Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “Our emergency service workers often have to see and do things that can take a toll on their wellbeing. It’s important to acknowledge their incredible work. The Foundation asks all Victorians to say, ‘thanks to you’ and contribute to show your support,” said Ms MacKenzie. The Foundation has also launched a statewide #THANKS2U social media campaign in the leadup to the AFL Emergency Services Match on 5 July, to feature workers and volunteers, encouraging the community to visit the website to get behind the THANKS2U campaign and contribute. To join in the celebrations, Victorians can:
  • Share posts and photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #THANKS2U to acknowledge the challenging work done by emergency service workers from their own families, neighbourhoods and social networks, and thank them for their efforts
  • Go to esf.com.au to donate to the Emergency Services Foundation to help deliver much-needed well-being initiatives for these first responders
  • Come along to the AFL Emergency Services Match at the MCG on 5 July or watch it on television….and donate during the match via mobile phone: Text THANKS2U to 0473 000 111
Funds raised via THANKS2U and the AFL Emergency Services Match will go towards the Emergency Services Foundation’s education initiatives and support programs for emergency services workers in Victoria. For further information please call Siusan MacKenzie, Emergency Services Foundation CEO: 0438 405 406