3 Mobile Test in Sydney turns pink for McGrath Foundation

Michael Clarke and Glenn McGrath today appealed to the public to get behind a Cricket Australia/3 Mobile-driven initiative to turn the 3 Mobile Test in Sydney pink in aid of the McGrath Foundation.

Cricket Cares, 3 Mobile and the SCG Trust, with assistance from adidas and Ford, have joined forces so that the SCG will be awash in pink from the first ball on 3 January as stumps, the playing field, giveaways and player’s shirts will feature the signature hot pink colour of the McGrath Foundation.

Fans at the ground during the 3 Mobile Test will be able to get involved in supporting the McGrath Foundation by picking up a pink McGrath Foundation bandana when they donate to the roaming 3 Mobile staff volunteers at the game (subject to availability). Matthew Hayden is behind this initiative and will be encouraging fans to get involved in the lead-up to the match.

Fans at home will also be able to get involved by donating to the McGrath Foundation with a chance to win the unique pink memorabilia from the match thanks to 3 Mobile and adidas.

The SCG Trust will be supporting the McGrath Foundation too during the match, with the Trust’s traditional Day 3 ‘Ladies Day’ being renamed Jane McGrath Day from this year onwards. The day will involve a McGrath Foundation High Tea function at the lunch break, with tickets open to SCG Members and the public attending the match.

Michael Clarke is hoping that the event can make a meaningful contribution to the work of the McGrath Foundation:

“We hope that by throwing the spotlight on the McGrath Foundation at the 3 Mobile Test in Sydney Cricket Cares can help raise awareness of breast cancer but also, with cricket fans across the country, make a financial contribution that will help fund breast care nurses around Australia,” Clarke said.

“I urge all cricket fans to think pink around the New Year of 2009.”

This sentiment was echoed by McGrath Foundation Chairman, and NSW Australian of the Year Glenn McGrath, with Glenn extending an invitation to everyone either planning to attend or watch the series to get involved and help make a difference.

“When Jane and I established the McGrath Foundation back in 2005 we did so with a hope of being able to do two things. The first is to make sure that every person diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia can have access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse while the second is to try to increase the level of breast awareness among young women.
“There’s no doubt we’ve made some significant headway in the last few years, and I know Jane would be both proud and excited by the things that are taking place in Sydney in January, but the fact remains we still have some way to go. With support like this though, from Cricket Australia and 3 Mobile, the lads in the Australian team, and other CA partners like adidas and Ford, the SCG Trust and ultimately cricketing fans around the country, we have a unique opportunity to really “hit a six” by raising unprecedented funds and awareness through a cricket event.

“I’d like to thank everyone in advance for your support and look forward to seeing you at the 3 Mobile Test.

Spectators attending the 3 Mobile Tests in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney can support the McGrath Foundation by donating loose change to the 3 Mobile volunteers at the match and by purchasing the Men of Cricket calendar online from www.menofcricket.com.au at the 3 Zone.