Local fans were out in force not only to support their favourite footy team but also local fundraising efforts at the Bulldogs v Dolphins NRL match at Salter Oval in July.
Supporters bought a total of 889 raffle tickets in aid of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, a Bundaberg Regional Council initiative to raise money to make food hampers for local residents who need a helping hand at Christmas time.
Thanks to support from the Rotary Club of Bundaberg City Daybreak, the raffle raised a total of $4,445, over $1,000 more than last year.
The lucky winner was Scott Warcon who travelled from Gracemere to watch the game and went home with two signed jerseys kindly donated by both the Bulldogs and Dolphins clubs towards the appeal.
Scott, who is a Bulldogs member and has travelled to Sydney a few times to support the team, said he was “over the moon” when he found out he had won both signed jerseys.
“I’ve already got a Dolphins jersey my daughter bought me for Christmas so this is great,” Scott said.
“I’ll probably end up framing them.”
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was wonderful to see the community supporting this fundraising appeal.
“Funds raised from the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal help to make the holiday season a little bit more special for local families who need it,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“We appreciate the support from everyone who bought a raffle ticket last weekend and all those who continue to support this cause through sponsorships, donations and volunteering.”
Fans also stopped by to support a sausage sizzle run by Brave Brothers, a Bundaberg-based men’s health charity focused on suicide prevention, family and domestic violence and cancer awareness in the community.
Managing Director David Facer said it meant a great deal to the organisation to be at such a big sporting event for the region.
“The Bulldogs have actually supported us greatly over the past year as we’ve launched our charity,” David said.
“So we’re here to wish the Bulldogs on but also to celebrate rugby league in our town which is fantastic.”
The charity, which launched in June, aims to provide direct support through their Mentor program and is on the lookout for seasonal sponsors to support them in the future.
“We want to be where men are,” David said.
“So we have all the resources to hand out here and have conversations with men about these serious health issues.
“That’s how we’re going to raise awareness in our community and save lives.”
Find out how you can get involved and view the sponsorship options for the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal 2023 here.
Other stories:
