Former NRL footballer Jamie Soward says he was just doing what came naturally when he leapt into fundraising mode for the family of fallen firefighter Sam McPaul.
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Soward has raised $7500 through an auction and said there are plans for further fundraising for the family of a man he met through Wagga basketball.
McPaul, a volunteer firefighter and former, was killed in a freak 'fire tornado' near Jingellic in late December, leaving behind his pregnant wife, Megan.
"I didn't do too much. Once we heard about Sam and the tragic situation - we were at (Lake) Conjola at the time helping a friend prepare their house for the fires and the news came through. We were all pretty shaken up," Soward said.
"I've got a one-year-old and can't imagine what the family is going through. So I made a few calls and in a day-and-a-half all NRL clubs had committed a jersey, both State of Origin teams had committed a product.
"It was just running the auction through Instagram."
McPaul was a player, coach and administator with Basketball Wagga.
Soward's family has long had an association with the game in Wagga, going back to his mum playing for the Wagga Blaze.
Back in Wagga for touch football's Junior State Cup, Soward said his fundraising efforts are only a small gesture in the face of a huge loss, but he wanted to do something to help McPaul family.
He's organising a sports lunch in Sydney this week and hoping to be involved in organising a sportsmans dinner in Wagga at the end of the year.
"We've been in talks with David Barnhill and his team (at the William Farrer Hotel). But like I said, we can't do enough really to be able to help out," Soward said.
"This is our little part and hopefully it helps."
Basketball Wagga has supported Soward's efforts and will also accept donations on behalf of Megan McPaul.
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