Rustler’s athletes banded together to help a cause close to home, especially for four players. A donation box was set up on January 11th to collect donations for the Australian Red Cross during men’s and women’s volleyball games.
Both Ryan van Oosterwijk and Matt Peck of the men’s volleyball team brought the idea of a charity game to game day Supervisor Ty Plandowski. As the bush fires hit close to home as both Oosterwijk and Peck are from Australia.
“They made $450 which is huge for planning it on a Wednesday and executing [that] Friday. It shows how well the community around Lloydminster really helps out,” says Plandowski.
“It was a great crowd. They came out in swarms to help support. $450 goes a long way. It may not be a bunch but every dollar counts,” he adds.
In total, four players with the Rustlers athletics are from Australia including Tori Dugan and Tayla Pipes with the women’s basketball team. Plandowski says the Rustlers wanted to help out any way they could.
“To see them want to take a role and really step up shows the huge characters at Lakeland. It’s sad, they see their Snapchat and Instagram posts and they’re hurting.”
This Friday and Saturday the Rustlers Volleyball team’s take on the Keyano Huskies.