The Rio 2016 Olympic champions toured Australia last week to take on the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos ahead of their new FIH Pro League season starting in February.
The international athletes wanted to directly help affected communities and successfully raised more than $8,600 in less than one week.
Great Britain goalkeeper Maddie Hinch described the extent of the devastation as “haunting”.
“As soon as it was confirmed that we were travelling to Australia, we wanted to make a difference while we’re there,” she said.
Penny Appeal Australia assists communities by providing items including water, medical supplies and non-perishable food.
“What appealed to us most about Penny Appeal Australia is their team culture,” Ms Hinch added.
“The organisation showed us what goes into the relief packs, how they’re packed, and how they’re delivered directly to those affected, so the opportunity to meet with them, get to know their work and get hands on has been massively important in helping us to spread a positive message back home and help get more support for those affected by the bushfires.”
Penny Appeal’s Jasmin Ghandour said: “It was a very big and delightful surprise to us all to have Olympic hockey champions reach out to us to extend their support to the Australian community.
“We wish them the best luck in the upcoming games.”
Pledge your support for Penny Appeal Australia’s Bushfire Campaign by donating to GB Women’s Hockey fundraiser at justgiving.com/fundraising/gbwhockey.
