Brisbane QLD, Australia, 9 April 2017 | Tennis Australia

A grand total of $80,000 has been raised for communities and tennis clubs affected by Cyclone Debbie through ticket sales for Australia’s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarterfinal tie against USA.

Proceeds from Thursday’s ticket sales amounted to $20,000, with Tennis Queensland, Tennis NSW and Tennis Australia all agreeing to match that amount, increasing the final figure to $80,000.

The funds will be split evenly between Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery program, which is providing valuable support for emergency services teams working in communities devastated by the ex-tropical cyclone, and the 20-plus tennis clubs across the region which suffered extensive structural damage.

“We welcomed the opportunity to support the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery program, and we hope the funds raised go some way towards enabling those affected to move forward and rebuild their lives,” said Cameron Pearson, Head of Major Events for Tennis Australia.

 “We have a duty of care to help the tennis clubs affected by the cyclone get back on their feet,” said Geoff Quinlan, CEO of Tennis Queensland.

 “The tennis community is renowned for rallying round in times of need, and I’m sure this much-needed financial support will be a great boost for our clubs and the towns they serve.”

“This is a significant sum of money which will make a real difference to our tennis clubs and the wider community,” said Alistair McDonald, CEO of Tennis NSW.

“The scenes of devastation were heartbreaking to witness, so we are delighted to provide some financial help to enable people to start rebuilding their lives and homes.”

More than 200 Red Cross staff have been working at evacuation centres and recovery hubs in Queensland and New South Wales since Cyclone Debbie struck the region.

The funds raised will enable the Red Cross to reconnect families who have been separated, and make door-to-door checks to ensure that people are receiving all the information and support they need, both in the short and long-term.

Anyone wishing to donate to Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund can do so at the following link