THE city’s business community is rallying behind the beleaguered Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League that remains on a financial knife-edge.
It is understood a number of business are holding fundraising initiatives for the non-for-profit organisation, which this week postponed a meeting with a voluntary administrator.
The Border Watch also understands people have been flowing into the Sturt Street building to donate to help save the institution from financial collapse.
Gambier City Bowl operator David Wyborn will throw his support behind the troubled organisation today and donate 100pc of all money from bowling games to the RSL.
Speaking to The Border Watch, yesterday Mr Wyborn said he felt compelled to help after reading negative comments being posted on social media.
“There were comments from some people saying they we should let the RSL die?,” Mr Wyborn said.
“There is no point throwing stones at the RSL when it is down, Mount Gambier needs the RSL.”
Whether or not the RSL’s situation was caused by management problems, Mr Wyborn said the iconic organisation was too important to lose.
“I know how hard it is to run a business and I just want to do something small to help,” the business operator said.
He said the RSL employed more than 30 people, supported war veterans and held important commemorative events such as Anzac Day.
“We would be a tragedy to lose the RSL,” Mr Wyborn said.
But he claimed the RSL’s predicament was a “sign of the times” for many businesses.
“Many businesses are doing it tough. Businesses are being taxed to absolute drainage point,” Mr Wyborn said.
He said his business had also been close to shutting its doors because of soaring costs such as electricity and insurance.
“Some weeks we just make enough to pay the wages – I know what it is like to be at rock-bottom,” Mr Wyborn explained.
He said he was hoping today’s fundraising event would raise more than $2000.
“I’m not doing this for the publicity,” he said.
“I realise the small amount we raise won’t be lifesaving for the RSL, but I just want to do my bit to help.”
He called on people or other business operators to donate to the RSL if they could.
“But if you don’t want to support, you don’t have to,” Mr Wyborn said.
RSL president Bob Sandow described the support from the community and business sector as “outstanding”.
Explaining the RSL was not yet out of danger, he said the committee was pleased the community was rallying behind the organisation.
A charity music fundraising event will be held at the RSL this Friday night with four musicians giving up their time.
Mount Gambier City Bowl is open today from 9am to 10pm. People are encouraged to book.
A raffle and a fundraising tally board have also been organised at Gambier City Bowl.
