This is Rach and Ash from the Steel City Standard.

Today, members of our community came together in Wallsend to see off the Knights, and sadly, what should have been a special day turned into a devastating situation.

We’re asking our community to come together and support those who have been affected and their families during what is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult time. Funds will go to the below and their families.

We have set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to help provide financial assistance to those injured and their families, helping with medical expenses, recovery costs, travel, accommodation, and other unexpected expenses that may arise during their recovery.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser can help us reach people who may be able to contribute.

Whatever donated will be split equally between the families.

Let’s come together as a community and show the people affected that they are not alone.

Thank you to everyone who donates, shares, and supports this fundraiser.

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT BELOW -

Information about donation controls, transparency, safeguarding

It is important the community knows they can trust their donations will be sent to those injured in the Wallsend incident this morning.

We are a team of 6 working professional’s in Newcastle including lawyers;

All money donated will not be drawn on or touched until the specific individuals affected and their families are in contact, identified & verified;

The division and amounts sent to each affected person and their family will be shared in a further update;

All money raised is being paid into @rachelchopsis’s bank account, and we are working now to set up a quarantined account which requires two person approval for withdrawals. Rachel has a documented history of transparent crowd funding;

We will post bank statements and proof of transfer, and all money raised and sent will be transparently documented on social media & our website;

We can be contacted through our social media channels, by the email in our bio, and will respond urgently to any messages about fundraising credibility;

This statement and further accountability and transparency updates will be posted to the GoFundMe site;

We have contacted GoFundMe to officially verify this fundraiser in the interest of community trust and transparency;

No money will be deducted for expenses, and full reconciliations will be published publicly including as to any unused funds.