WA Race Clubs and Community TAB raise $69K for local community groups
Western Australian race clubs in partnership with Community TAB, have raised over $69,000 for local community groups through its Race Club Community Program in 2020.
The program involves WA race clubs nominating a community group of their choice to fundraise for at a race meeting, with Community TAB matching the amount raised to a maximum of $5,000.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions resulting in some race clubs losing their race meetings, as well as no patrons allowed on-course for a period of time, 17 race clubs were still able to partner with Community TAB to raise funds.
Northam Race Club Manager Nicole Bell said involvement in the Community TAB program has enabled the race club to directly engage with other social and sporting clubs within their community.
“This engagement has grown participation in our race meetings by the local community and aided in developing a better understanding of the racing industry and its participants.,” Ms Bell said.
“Funds raised by community groups has seen further development of education programs and purchase of much needed equipment.”
Bunbury Turf Club CEO Alex Doble said the program is a great initiative that allows race clubs to connect with local charities.
“We have partnered with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) South West on Bunbury Cup Day for a number of years now, and this day provides a platform for RDA to showcase the great work they do in the community and at the same time raise much needed funds,” Mr Doble said.
“RDA is a very worthy charity, and we love the fact that their participants are enriched by an experience with a horse.”
RWWA CEO Ian Edwards said the program enables race clubs to give back to their local community.
“Race clubs play an important role in their community contributing both economically and socially, and through this program they are able to reinforce strong relationships by directing support and funds to those who need it most,” Mr Edwards said.
“The positive effects of this program have been experienced in all corners of the State through the involvement of race clubs from as far north as Wyndham to as far south as Esperance.”
During 2020, 19 community groups were supported financially through the program, with WA race clubs raising more than $34,000 and Community TAB doubling the efforts to equal more than $69,000.
Community groups who benefitted from the program included local St John Ambulance sub centres, sporting clubs, surf lifesaving clubs, as well as individual organisations such as RDA South West and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Since the program launched in 2015 it has raised over $700,000 for community groups in Western Australia.
Community TAB has recommenced the Race Club Community Program for 2021.
ENDS