The canteen is synonymous with the local footy ground as players, officials and spectators help sustain clubs by buying a sausage sandwich, pie, lollies or a drink.
But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, where restrictions are in place or competitions have been cancelled, canteen lines have become shorter and many clubs are struggling without the income.
That's why Click Frenzy, the producer of Australia's biggest online shopping events, has established the Virtual Canteen fundraiser.
Running concurrently with the Click Frenzy Sports mega-sale - in which NRLshop.com is participating - the Virtual Canteen is open from 7pm on August 20 to 11:59pm on the 23rd.
Local clubs can register for the event here. The canteen will include virtual items like sausage rolls, pies, soft drink, chocolate bars and more to be "sold" at standard prices.
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With over 16,000 local sports clubs across the country in danger of folding due to financial issues brought about by the pandemic, according to a report from the Australian Sports Foundation, the NRL is strongly supporting the Virtual Canteen fundraiser.
"The numbers of parents and kids purchasing at the canteen after playing their game has taken a significant hit this year, so it's pleasing people can still support their local club via the virtual canteen," said NRL head of participation, pathways and development Luke Ellis.
"Local sporting clubs are the lifeblood of communities; they are driven by tireless volunteers and rely heavily on income derived from their canteens and crowds at their events.
"Unfortunately, the queues at the canteen have been restricted this season, and this has affected the clubs and associations of so many community sports.
"This initiative is a quick and easy way to give back to those clubs and volunteers who already give so much to the community.
"I encourage anyone taking advantage of the specials on offer from our Play Rugby League Shop or NRLshop.com via Click Frenzy also to support their local Junior Rugby League club."
Click here to find a participating club to donate to.
