THE Mount Gambier Racing Club is gearing up for its annual lunch to raise money and awareness for prostate and breast cancer.
With planning under way for the 2019 event following a year’s hiatus, organisers hope to add a further $10,000 to the total, which will help fund research and care packages for people affected by cancer.
With over $50,000 raised over the past four events, funds are also donated to the Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group’s helping handbags initiative, which provides essential care packages of local business vouchers for groceries, fuel, pharmacies, massages and post-surgery garments to those affectedby breast cancer.
Money raised is also forwarded to the state’s capital city, where it is used in world-leading research for diagnosis, treatment and the search for a cure for prostate cancer.
Mount Gambier Racing Club general manager Brett Watson said the fundraiser was a great way to give back to the community.
“The racing club is very much community oriented and wanting to put back something into the community,” Mr Watson said.
“It is the local community that supports the racing club, so we see certain responsibility to try and contribute something back to the community for the good of the people.”
Noel Barr Toyota has signed on as a sponsor for this year’s event, with dealer principal Noel Barr excited to support the event.
Along with sponorship, Mr Barr has donated Adelaide Crows and Adelaide Strikers guernseys to be auctioned, with a steer and wine also donated by other supporting businesses.
“We are always looking for ways to combat cancer of any description and prostate and breast cancer are a big concern in our community,” Mr Barr said.
“We think it is only fitting we should try and do our little bit to contribute towards finding a cure for cancer.”
Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group chair Richard Harry said the money raised over the year’s has had an incredible impact on people’s lives.
“It is not all about raising money for research and care packages, we want to raise awareness about the cancers and hope to encourage people to get regular checks done,” he said.
“In the 10 years since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer things have changed dramatically with testing and treatment.
“If we can keep funding this research then it will only be a benefit for everyone.”
The event coincides with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and will be headlined by Group 1 winning jockey Harry Coffey, who will speak on his experience living with cystic fibrosis.
Tickets to the September 15 event are $100 and include a two-course meal and drinks package – as well as entry to the race day – and can be purchased from the racing club or Noel Barr Toyota from next week.
