The Australian bushfire disaster relief effort is very much a cause close to the heart of Titans star Kevin Proctor, which is why he was inspired to put one of his most-loved possessions up for auction to raise money for the cause.
Proctor has selflessly put his New Zealand Test jersey, which he wore in the Kiwis’ 12-8 win over Wayne Bennett’s Great Britain team at Eden Park in November, up for auction with Lloyds Auctions to raise money for the bushfire relief effort.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds from the auction of the jersey, which Proctor has personally signed, will be donated to The Salvation Army – providing crucial support to help local communities recover from devastating loss.
The Titans giant said he was inspired to do his part for the cause as the terrible bushfires hit close to home, with family members caught up in the disaster.
“I have had some family members go through the fires,” Proctor said. “They were living in Batemans Bay when they were on, and my family members caught up in it.
“Thankfully, they got out of it without any lives or houses lost. But it was obviously a scary time.
“I just wanted to get involved and help out as best as I can.
“It is great the way that the entire community, but particularly rugby league has rallied to help those affected by the fires.
“I know the Titans are auctioning off the chance for people to have their names on our jerseys for the Nines, and other clubs are doing good things as well.
“It is a disaster what has happened down there. We all feel for them, and we want to help them get back on their feet.”
You can bid on Proctor’s Kiwi Test jersey now, by clicking the link below:
You can bid on Proctor's jersey here.
Proctor is no stranger to helping out with bushfire relief.
In September, he joined Shannon Boyd and Titans staff by helping out emergency services and doing school visits in Canungra as the Gold Coast Hinterland, Scenic Rim and surrounding areas went through their own bushfire crisis.
His admiration for and willingness to support firefighters stems from the big-hearted Titan’s goal of joining the firefighting ranks once his rugby league playing days are over.
“I am 100 per cent keen on it,” he said. “I did a little induction day with the firies, and I just loved it.
“I won’t be able to do it until after I have finished footy, but it is definitely on my agenda.”
