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The Newcastle Knights was pleased to present the City of Newcastle RSL and Newcastle Legacy with donations following the auction of the team’s commemorative ANZAC playing jerseys.

The Newcastle Knights played in a uniquely designed Anzac commemorative jersey on ANZAC Day against the North Queensland Cowboys as part of the NRL’s tribute to the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli.

All ANZAC commemorative match worn playing jerseys were auctioned with each jersey signed by the individual player with captain Kurt Gidley’s fetching the highest auction amount.

The Knights ANZAC commemorative jersey auction raised a total of $10,939, which was split and donated equally to Legacy and Newcastle RSL. 

The donation was highly appreciated by both non-for-profit groups with cheques presented to representatives from the charity organisations on Wednesday. 

President of Newcastle Legacy, Bruce Vitnell said the Club’s donation will play an important part in assisting Legacy to undertake its compassionate services. 

“Most of our funding comes from the public, corporations and organisations like the Knights,” Mr Vitnell said.

“We get only a small amount of funding from the government and have great support from the public, which we appreciate.

"The money goes to looking after the families of deceased and incapacitated veterans. 

“The auction was fantastic as we want to get the name of Legacy out there in the community and make sure we are able to continue to provide the services we do."

Meanwhile, President of the City of Newcastle RSL sub-branch and the ANZAC Day committee, Ken Fayle said the donation was valuable in ensuring the sustainability of the RSL’s activities each year.

“This goes a long way to helping us stage the events that as they get bigger, the costs go up,” Mr Fayle said. 

“We don’t get any form of government assistance at all, so we have to go out there and raise all the money each year to provide the events that people want. 

“The involvement of the Knights was unexpected but most welcome. 

“This donation this year basically balances our books which means we start with a clean slate going forward into next year. 

“It was great to see people in Newcastle staying in town and going out there and supporting the Knights on the day.”