Victoria raises $35,000+ for Royal Children’s Hospital

Victoria’s harness racing community has dug deep for the kids, with more than $35,000 raised in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Country clubs, industry members and partners all got behind the Good Friday Appeal, echoing the great commitment the harness racing community also shows to supporting WomenCan, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Glenn McGrath Foundation.

Harness Racing Victoria and its wagering partner TAB each pledged $10,000 to support the hospital, contributing to more than $1.7 million donated across the appeal.

Victoria’s country clubs have also been outstanding, with Stawell ($7611.80), Cranbourne ($5326), Ballarat ($1500), Maryborough ($352.37) and Charlton ($320.72) all digging deep, while Bow Residential also pledged $500.

HRV CEO Matt Isaacs said it was fantastic to see the wider industry rally for the kids.

“There’s no greater cause than the Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital and it’s terrific to see the fantastic generosity of the harness racing community again shine through,” Isaacs said.

“In particular our two clubs that hosted racing on Good Friday, Stawell and Cranbourne, did an outstanding job in tin rattling, and it was great to also see our long-time friends at TAB again give generously.”

Stawell Harness Racing Club racing manager Mark Percival said he was delighted with the “generous support of the community and sponsors” who supported the Stawell Toyota Pleasant Creek Plate race day.

“The outpouring of support from the community and sponsors has been truly remarkable, reaffirming the spirit of generosity that defines our region,” Percival said. “Through their contributions, we have been able to make a significant impact on the lives of children in need, supporting the life-saving work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Stawell Toyota, our valued sponsors, the dedicated volunteers, participants, and spectators who made this event possible.”

by Michael Howard, for Harness Racing Victoria