Australians have been battling devastating wildfires since September of last year. More than 13 million acres have burned across the country as firefighters and emergency responders continue to battle the blazes.

The football club Bohemians Praha 1905 decided to support Australia. The club will collect the money during the home game against Slavia Prague on February, 16th.

“We are also preparing special souvenirs that will be on sale at the fan shop”, explained club spokesman Jan Strýhal.

“Furthermore, part of the sale from the magazines and game tickets will be donated”, he added.

The football club from Vršovice is historically connected with Australia.

In May 1927, Prague club AFK Vrsovice undertook a long tour of Australia, playing 19 matches in several states, winning 13 and drawing three.

The Czech side drew many fans to its games and the tour became a huge success but only after promoters insisted the touring team be called ‘Bohemians’.

At the end of the tour, the club was presented with two live kangaroos, which took home to Prague and donated to the city zoo.

The visitors to Australia were so taken by the warmth of their hosts that they made the temporary ‘Bohemians’ nickname their official name and even adopted the kangaroo as the club emblem and mascot.

You can donate to the Wires Wildlife Rescue Fund here