On Friday 15 January, Community TAB and Gloucester Park joined forces to help communities affected by the recent bushfires in the south west of Western Australia by raising $18,500 to go towards the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund.
In a combined initiative, Gloucester Park donated 25 per cent of admission fees ($5,709) from Friday’s TABtouch WA Pacing Cup meeting, with Community TAB agreeing to match the admission fees donation dollar for dollar. Tin collections on-course also raised a total of $3,048, but the fundraising efforts didn’t stop there.
The night saw the WA racing industry unite with the Minister of Racing and Gaming, the Hon. Colin Holt, donating an additional $1,000, and Community TAB, Greyhounds WA and Perth Racing all coming on board to match the donation dollar for dollar.
Gloucester Park President, John Burt, says the WA racing industry always rallies behind local communities in times of need.
“It is a fantastic result that we could raise that much money,” said Mr Burt.
“It highlights once again how the racing community comes together to help those in most need. All three of the racing codes have contributed and I’m sure it’s the first of many contributions that the racing industry will make to support the people that have been devastated by this terrible event.”
Community TAB is an initiative that supports WA in many different industries including racing, sport and not-for-profit organisations.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Chairman Jeff Ovens said Community TAB was proud to have partnered with Gloucester Park on a night that demonstrated the commitment that the WA racing industry has towards supporting its local community.
“The WA racing industry is dedicated to supporting those communities in which we operate,” said Mr Ovens.
“The impact that the bushfires have had on the South West is devastating and we hope that the funds raised on Friday night will offer the much needed support to the residents and all those affected by this disaster.”
Gloucester Park will also be host to the We Care South West Bushfire Relief Concert, run by the WA’s Events Industry Association. The event will see some of Australian’s leading musicians raise additional funds for those affected by the South West bushfires.
The family friendly concert is being held from 2pm to 10pm on Sunday 7 February. Tickets for the concert go on sale through Oztick at 9am Thursday 21 January.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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