Incredible fire response sees appeal near $120K

A lifetime in harness racing makes many, good friends – as Victorian horsewoman Rita Burnett and her family found out at the weekend.

A devastating fire near Kilmore on Friday destroyed the Burnett stables and left the much-loved family distraught at the tragic loss of 12 horses and almost all of the equipment and practical needs for the busy training operation.

But the harness racing industry quickly swung into action and within 48 hours, a crowd-funding campaign was established and raised more than $110,000.  It will provide critical financial support, but also, and perhaps more importantly, an emotional encouragement for the family to pick themselves up and push on.

Late last night the tally had reached nearly $119,000 from over 350 donations.

Mycause campaign organiser Bianca Walker said while rebuilding will take months, Rita and her daughter Monique, their families, stable staff and supporters have been humbled by the industry’s response.

“A lot of people in harness racing don’t have much but they always somehow seem to find a way to give when someone’s in trouble – really good things happen,” Bianca said.

“It’s been an absolutely stunning response.  I’m friends with Moni and Rita and when news broke about the fire on Friday, people started ringing straight away to ask what they could do,” she said.

“What was ahead was really just too big to think about and myself and another friend Tara Coad thought getting a Mycause page up as soon as we could was the best way for people to be able to do something meaningful.

“We thought if we got $35,000, we’d be doing a good job.  We passed that target in just a few hours, so it went to a $50,000, then $100,000.  It was absolutely incredible.  And the final target is $120,000, which I think we will be able to reach.

“At the start I was trying to keep up and message people to thank them individually, but pretty quickly it got just too much, but we are so grateful and appreciative of every donation of any size.”

Ever cheerful and energetic Rita Burnett is one of the most popular and well-known figures in Victorian harness racing, having spent 40 years as a trainer and driver. Rita and her partner Jim Maragos are based at the family complex Grand Lodge, established by Rita’s parents, the late Leli and Mary Mifsud. Rita’s brother Aussie and his wife Julie are also based there, as well as Rita’s daughter Monique and her partner Josh Duggan.

“They are just very good people, and I think everyone feels that,” Bianca said.

“I’ve known Rita and Moni all my life. The story goes that Rita came up to my mum one day at Yarra Valley and asked if mum could look after Moni while Rita drove in a race – we’ve been friends ever since!

“Rita is always there for anyone who needs it – she’s always ready for a chat to anyone at the races and whether you’re stuck on the side of the road, or you need a hand with something Rita and Moni are always the first to help out.”

Bianca said while there had been some incredible individual contributions of up to $10,000, other people had found practical ways to assist.

“At the minute, I need to get access to a couple of containers, because there have been donations of items that we need to find a way to store – harness, rugs and donations of feed and products,” she said.

“The fire took everything, and you don’t think about all the little things that are lost, from hair clippers to towels, and we’re working now on a list of what’s needed.

“Alabar Farms has donated some stallion services to help owners who have lost horses in the fire, and some people have put money at the Melton saddlery for Rita to be able to buy some of the things they need to replace. Another person is getting some beanies made to sell to raise funds.

“People have rallied in amazing ways, and I don’t think it will stop here. We are overwhelmed with the support for this wonderful family in such a short amount of time.

“They are going to need all our support with a long road ahead and every cent donated will help towards that.”

Donations can be made to the appeal by clicking here.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink