MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA,
FEBURARY 17TH 2009: As Australia
is combating raging bushfires in Victoria which have claimed more than 208
lives and destroyed entire towns, our local battlefield owners have
outstretched a helping hand.
The devastation is widespread, the death toll from the bushfires
is certain to rise further as more remains are found in almost 2,000
burnt-out homes strewn through the 330,000 hectares so far razed in
Australia's worst bushfire disaster.
This is an area larger than the size of the country of Luxemburg.
But all of our battlefield owners from Victoria are safe.
"We were
lucky," said Jenny Mitchell from Ballarat, "But some of Greg's family
lost their homes in Maryville, but they are safe."
"Our next door
neighbor's house was burned down, and we have lost some of our
battlefield but we still have lots of area to play in so we consider
ourselves lucky compared to the loss of others nearby," said Peter
from Wallan.
In fact Peter Robinson is outstretching a helping hand to his
neighbors.
"We were at Whittlesea [the Fire Department's command post]
yesterday just running games for the kids of the volunteers and
families to try and take their minds off their troubles, and it was
well received," said Peter Robinson.
Stuart Rainbow from Melbourne
has opened the doors of one of his battlefields to temporarily
shelter seven families left homeless.
Early estimates put the damages bill to property at more than
$500 million Australian dollars (about $326 million U.S. dollars),
but analysts said the broader costs could exceed $2 billion
Australian dollars (about $1.3 billion U.S. dollars), when lost
crops and the destruction of public infrastructure was taken into
account.
Numerous appeals and fund-raisers have been organized in
support of those affected during the Victorian bushfire disaster.
Families from across the nation have donated to a trust established
by the
Australian Red Cross
to help the victims re-build. Donations
have passed $100 million Australian dollars (about $68 million U.S.
dollars).
Six fires are still burning out of control around the state with
another 19 contained fires still ablaze.
About Battlefield Sports
Battlefield Sports™ is the world leader in the development and
production of high powdered infrared weaponry for combat games.
Battlefield Sports™ manufactures, distributes and markets the
equipment, patent pending live gaming inflatables, and unique battle
missions for this leading edge hybrid of electronic sport and
entertainment. With representation in more than 35 countries and millions of
games played Battlefield Sports has revolutionized the combined
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Headquartered in Australia and offices in Los Angeles, Battlefield
Sports won numerous awards for excellence, including Australian
Technology Showcase, Member of the Year (Q2007).
Battlefield Sports sells about 85% of its products internationally.
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ENDS
