Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) is bringing the racing community together through a number of fundraising and support initiatives for bushfire impacted communities, with all proceeds going to key South Australian relief efforts.
The TRSA Bushfire Appeal Initiative launches on January 22 at Oakbank Racing Club, with key fundraising activities planned until February 22 at Kangaroo Island (KI Cup Day), and more to follow. The racing community has banded together to kick off the month long fundraising effort with TRSA leading the way, donating $500 for each win by a horse carrying the rider wearing Bushfire Appeal branded silks at South Australian race meetings during this period. This activity will be further supported by an online auction, as well as support of Clubs in fire-affected regions and their own fundraising initiatives.
So far, planned activity includes:
- Jockey Silks; Spanning across 19 race meetings (approx. 150 races), beginning with a race day hosted by Oakbank Racing Club on Wednesday 22 January, and finishing at Kangaroo Island Cup Day on Saturday 22 February, TRSA will donate $500 to the SA Bushfire Appeal for each win by a horse carrying the rider wearing branded Bushfire Appeal silks.. This activity involves all TRSA Clubs hosting meetings throughout this period.
- Online Auction: Also launched on Wednesday 22 January, the auction will feature money can’t buy experiences, racing memorabilia and more, thanks to generous donations from friends of the racing community. Auction items are still being donated, but so far include an exclusive lunch and behind the scenes tour of Morphettville with Clare Lindop, VIP media experiences and Adelaide Oval corporate suite tickets. All money raised will go to the SA Bushfire Appeal.
- Oakbank Racing Club: TRSA is proudly supporting the Oakbank Racing Club in its efforts to raise funds for those impacted by the Cudlee Creek fire in the Adelaide Hills. The Club’s O’Leary Walker Bushfire Relief Race Day on Wednesday 22 January will focus on volunteer recognition and fundraising, with all proceeds going to the SA Bush Fire Appeal. The day will include live music and children’s activities, showcase of local food and beverages, as well as raffles and auctions.
- Kangaroo Island Racing Club: TRSA is working closely with the Kangaroo Island Racing Club to raise awareness around continued tourism support for the region, raise much needed funds for their bushfire devastated island home and to determine appropriate next steps.. The Club will be donating any profits generated from their 2019/2020 racing season(less normal operating cost) to the Kangaroo Island Mayoral Relief and Recovery Bushfire Fund.
“Thoroughbred Racing South Australia has been horrified by the bushfires that continue to affect Australia, particularly those which have caused severe damage to areas of South Australia,” said TRSA Chair Frances Nelson QC.
“The response from the communities involved, especially emergency service personnel, has been courageous and selfless.
“As these communities begin the huge task of re-building and recovery, TRSA is bringing our industry together for a coordinated response that spans across Clubs, industry partners and beyond – all with the aim of raising much needed funds for impacted communities.”
Racegoers are urged to get along to Oakbank Racing Club on Wednesday 22 January to show support for the local area which is still reeling in the wake of the Cudlee Creek fire.
“TRSA is immensely proud of the Oakbank Racing Club for their immediate and meaningful response to the Cudlee Creek fire. The Club volunteered itself as a donation and collection point when fires began last year and has been a crucial point of contact for those with livestock in the Adelaide Hills area. Many other Clubs throughout the state should also be commended and acknowledged for their efforts and response to the fires including Kangaroo Island, Morphettville, Murray Bridge, Gawler and Barossa, Strathalbyn and many others,” Ms Nelson said.
“As an Adelaide Hills local, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of these fires on the community and on those in the racing industry – including Oakbank Racing Club committee member and former Chairman John Glatz who is thankfully on the road to recovery.
“We know John would be the first to put his hand up to help this community, so we hope to do him proud in his absence.
“TRSA will be supporting the Club however we can, to ensure as much as possible is raised on the day.”
To donate to the TRSA Bushfire Appeal online auction please contact TRSA Marketing Manager Michelle Greene on 08 8179 9822 or via mgreene@theracessa.com.au
For more information about the Oakbank Race Day, go to www.theracessa.com.au/racing-club/oakbank
Media enquiries: Alexandra Green, Michels Warren, 0418 608 038 or agreen@micwar.com.au
