Raising funds for mental health service Lifeline WA will come into the spotlight at the Pinjarra Pacing Cup on Monday, March 6 thanks to a partnership between Community TAB and the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club.
The Community TAB initiative partners with every race club in WA to raise funds for a local not-for-profit organisation and matches dollar for dollar all funds raised at major race days up to $5,000.
At this year’s Pinjarra Pacing Cup, tins will be rattled and raffle tickets sold in efforts to raise dollars for Lifeline.
Pinjarra Harness Racing Club general manager Sian Hughes praised the initiative and outlined the importance of Lifeline.
“We have partnered with Community TAB for the past two years on Pinjarra Pacing Cup Day – raising funds for Riding for the Disabled in 2015 and the Lions Club Bushfire Appeal in 2016,” Ms Hughes said.
“The dollar-for-dollar fundraising contribution by RWWA is not only a great promotional tool for our club but obviously extremely beneficial for the charity partner.
“Having recently lost two young harness racing industry participants to suicide, the club is acutely aware of the need for Lifeline’s essential service and resources among the community and this is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Lifeline financially via fundraising and increase awareness of their services on Cup Day.”
Racing and Wagering WA chairman Jeff Ovens said the positive effects of this program have been extensive for regional WA with 49 of WA race clubs based in regional communities.
“RWWA recognises race clubs across WA play an important role in their community contributing both economically and socially, and partnerships like these are an example of the strong connection race clubs have with the communities in which they operate,” Mr Ovens said.
“Community TAB is proud to play our own part in giving back to the community by partnering with our race clubs around WA.
“Our donation to Lifeline WA is one of more than 50 community organisations that will be supported as part of Community TAB’s $150million contribution to the WA community this year.”
The Pinjarra Pacing Cup is the major race day of the year for Pinjarra Harness Racing Club including nine races with the $50,000 Pinjarra Pacing Cup, free kids activities, live music and a free bus service from Mandurah.
If you, or anyone you know, is currently dealing with mental issues, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or Headspace on 1800 650 890.