120 years in the making, vintage partnership tackles virus research
Some of Queensland’s best-known former rugby union players are throwing their support behind finding a cure for COVID-19
The original plaque showing Brisbane's Hospital Cup winners
Amidst the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic the Vintage Reds have announced a partnership with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation, in an effort to find a cure.
The Vintage Reds are a not-for-profit group of past Queensland players & alumni, who provide support to players across the state while promoting and developing the code of Rugby Union throughout Queensland.
They have now signed up to support the RBWH Foundation, which has launched its own campaign funding a clinical trial into finding a cure for COVID-19 here in Queensland.
As of earlier this week, $1.3 million had been deposited into the fund, including a huge $1 million anonymous donation from a Brisbane/Gold Coast individual.
Chief executive officer of Vintage Reds, Bill Ross, said he was proud of a partnership that spans over 120 years and is happy to help what might be a positive outcome in very challenging circumstances.
“We are pleased to announce the Vintage Reds partnership with the RBWH Foundation … that is dedicated to funding life-saving research, world-class training and equipment to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland’s largest hospital,” he said.
“The links between the Queensland Rugby Union and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital are longstanding. The Brisbane Club Competition has played for the Hospital Cup since 1899, the longest-running perpetual rugby trophy in Australia.”
“Our partnership will allow us to strengthen our ties within the community. It will also create great opportunities for us jointly to interact and connect directly with Queenslanders throughout the state.”
“We are proud of this mutually beneficial relationship and we look forward to supporting Queensland’s largest hospital, a hospital that is committed to helping Queenslanders.”
At various stages in the early 1900s the Royal Brisbane Hospital was insolvent and in part funded by the gates from QRU club matches.
Ross says links were being provided to their contacts around the state to directly donate to the RBWH foundation and find a cure.
