Olivia to sing at the G
President Jim Stynes is thrilled singing great Olivia Newton-John will be performing at Melbourne’s round 10 clash against Carlton
By Matt Burgan
PRESIDENT Jim Stynes says he is thrilled to have singing great Olivia Newton-John perform at Melbourne’s round 10 clash against Carlton.
Stynes said having Newton-John perform was another great reason for Melbourne supporters to come out in full force to the MCG on May 27 - the club’s first Friday night match for the year. He also urged the red and blue faithful to wear their Demon horns for the club’s first night game of the season.
“I’m so pleased to be supporting the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, particularly given my recent journey,” he said. “I also urge Melbourne supporters to give generously to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.”
Stynes, who is continuing to undergo treatment for cancer, said he had been inspired by meeting Newton-John. The singer fought a very public battle with breast cancer and has since become a tireless advocate for breast cancer research.
“I hope many Melbourne supporters, but also footy fans can get along to the MCG and to help Olivia realise her dream to help provide the very best care, treatment and research so we can beat cancer,” he said.
Newton-John will perform three of her greatest hits in the Ponsford Stand. She said she was delighted to perform in front of a big crowd at her home town.
“I’m incredibly excited at the opportunity to perform in front of a big crowd in my home town of Melbourne and urge all footy fans to come along and give generously so we can now help complete the O,” she said.
“I also want to acknowledge the Melbourne Football Club and especially president Jim Stynes for all their tremendous support. Jim has fought an extraordinary personal battle of his own and his story is a great inspiration and another reason why this project is so dear to my heart.”
The first stage of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre is due to open in Melbourne in 2012, with final stages in 2013. The project is now seeking to raise the final $10 million through public donations.
Premier Ted Baillieu said the Victorian Coalition Government was pleased to support the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre to provide a world-class visionary facility providing cutting edge medical treatment and cancer research. “The Government recently announced the provision of $45 million in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget to help complete the Centre, on top of the $94.8 million contribution already provided by the State,” Baillieu said.
“I urge Victorians to give generously to support the fundraising effort by Melbourne Football Club and the AFL.”
The chief executive of the AFL and Public Appeal Chairman of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Andrew Demetriou said $15 million had been raised through community and corporate support since 2003. “We are now calling on everyone, including footy fans, to dig deep as we set about raising the last $10 million to complete this important project and make a big difference to the lives of cancer patients in this country,” Demetriou said.
Olivia Live at the ‘G’ will officially be launched at the MCG on Tuesday at 9.30am.
Olivia Live at the ‘G’ details:
Those attending the match can make a donation via one of the collectors patrolling the MCG or alternatively via www.oliviaappeal.com or telephone 1800 220 210.
For those unable to attend the match, the host broadcast network Channel 7 will provide special fundraising support through their telecast, including Olivia’s live performance.
A VIP package for the match is also available. It includes entry and a reserved seat for the match, a pre-match cocktail party, access to an exclusive viewing area for Olivia’s pre-match concert, a VIP gift pack and a photo with Olivia on the MCG.
Tickets are $500 and all proceeds go to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling (03) 9496 5753.
Original article