Victoria Bitter and pubs across Australia will unite to raise money for bushfire victims – and VB drinkers can raise a glass to help.

VB Bushfire Relief will be held across the Australia Day weekend from 24 to 27 January with CUB donating up to two Bushfire Relief kegs to more than 1000 pubs. The nationwide fundraiser will see pubs donate the proceeds of all sales from the kegs, so every cent spent will go to the Rotary Clubs of Australia Bushfire Disaster Fund.

CUB’s VB Bushfire Relief Campaign will raise at least $1 million for bushfire victims, with This Round’s For Them expected to raise more than $750,000. CUB has already donated $250,000 in cash to the Rotary bushfire appeal.

CUB Chief Executive Peter Filipovic said the events would raise money while bringing communities together.

“VB is the national beer and this is a national crisis,” he said. “This Rounds for Them will be held at local pubs across the country because these pubs are at the heart of many communities. We want to bring Australians together to enjoy a VB with mates while raising a glass, and badly-needed funds, for those who need it.

“It’s been a tough time for Australia. But we’re in this for the long haul, and we’ll continue to help the communities that have always supported us as the slow road to recovery begins.”

Rotary’s fund is directly helping victims and bushfire-affected communities across Australia.

Rotary Australia District Governor Philip Archer thanked VB for driving the appeal. “Rotary is seeking your support to help those who need help, particularly after the ‘First Responders’ leave”.  

“There is so much work to do for the medium term, once the immediate disaster relief has been implemented.  Whether it is to rebuild fences, playgrounds and community centres, or provide the means for ongoing emotional support and mentorship. Rotary, alongside other key organisations will be there to ensure recovery is complete and resilience is rebuilt in the affected areas.“  Mr Archer said.

Once the bushfire threat across Australia subsides after summer, VB will also organise special events in bushfire-affected communities to thank everyone, including the firies, who battled the blazes. There will be more announcements about this in due course.

Participating venues in VB Bushfire Relief can be found at www.vbbushfirerelief.com.au. Any pub wanting to participate can email cubcustomer.advocate@cub.com.au.

To help bushfire-affected pubs, clubs and bottleshops, CUB has also extended credit terms. CUB has also donated 80,000 cans of free CUB drinking water to the NSW Government for bushfire affected communities, with many more to come.

For more information contact HeadlinePR:

Simon Pristel simon@headlinepr.com.au 0412 393 433

Lisa Gilbert lisa@headlinepr.com.au 0412 822 673