The Footscray Bulldogs will add a touch of green to their red, white and blue in Round 15, in a show of support for the ‘Greening the West’ initiative.

The Bulldogs will don green socks for their Sunday 17 July VFL home game against Casey Scorpions, to promote the 23-organisation strong program that’s transforming the western suburbs.

Greening the West spokesperson and City West Water General Manager, Cameron FitzGerald, said the initiative is a partnership of City West Water, LeadWest, Councils, Government agencies, water authorities, industry and community groups.

“The partnership is changing the shape of the western suburbs by securing Federal Government funding to deliver one million new trees for Melbourne’s west and surrounds, as well as creating new parks and revitalising open spaces,” Mr FitzGerald outlined.

“The Footscray Bulldogs is a team that is representative of the western suburbs and it was an obvious choice to us to enlist their help. Like the Bulldogs, our partners are equally passionate about kicking goals for the west. More tree cover and quality green spaces will contribute to liveable suburbs that support community health and wellbeing.”

Greening the West partners will be at the game offering giveaways, a half-time handball competition, and promoting opportunities for attendees to play their own part in greening the west.

“We’re encouraging residents to come along to the game and support the program on the day, as well as going along to their local Council’s events for National Tree Day on 31 July 2016,” Mr FitzGerald said.

Greening the West partners are hosting free community tree planting events across Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.

“Trees planted on National Tree Day at our sites will contribute to the Greening the West – 1 Million Trees Project. Come along and plant a wonderful legacy for generations to come,” Mr FitzGerald said.

More information on National Tree Day events can be found at: https://greeningthewest.org.au/2016/06/764/

Tickets for the Footscray Bulldogs versus Casey Scorpions on Sunday 17 July are available on the day, at the Victoria University Whitten Oval, Footscray.