Hitting the green for a good cause

By Nicola Ceccato

Mar 10, 2022

For a good cause: (left to right) Ron Holland from Shepparton Park Bowls Club and Grace Grieve, Cheryl Hammer and Roly Hunt from Foodshare, are excited that Foodshare has been chosen as this year’s charity for the Shepparton Park Bowls Club St Patrick’s Day Fundraiser. Photo by Megan Fisher

Ready to roll: (left to right) Roly Hunt, Cheryl Hammer, Grace Grieve and Ron Holland are getting ready for a fun day of bowling at the Shepparton Park Bowls Club St Patrick’s Day Fundraiser next Thursday. Photo by Megan Fisher

Shepparton Park Bowls Club will be holding its annual St Patrick’s fundraiser next Thursday, with all donations going to Foodshare.

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This will be the second time the event has raised money for Foodshare, with the club collecting close to $6000 four years ago.

Fundraiser convener Ron Holland said Foodshare had done so much for the people of Shepparton over the pandemic and deserved the donation.

“We're doing it again for Foodshare for the very reason that they’re about helping others as we're trying to help them with a little bit of money to buy more food supplies to give to other people,” he said.

“Every cent that is spent on the day goes to Foodshare.”

Operations co-ordinator Grace Grieve said Foodshare was thankful for the support of Shepparton Park Bowls Club.

“How amazing, they’re just beautiful,” she said.

“They did support us a few years back, which is amazing, and as you know, Shepparton Foodshare is a not-for-profit so everything we get is through fundraising and donation. To have them support us like this, is amazing.

“Whether it's $1000 we get on the day or $1 or $5000, whatever it is, it will go towards much-needed staples that will go out to those needing it in our community. So, we're really thrilled and really grateful.”

Ms Grieve said that over the course of the pandemic, Foodshare had lost a lot of volunteers due to health issues and vaccine mandates and was on the hunt for more helpers.

“We’re really after some new volunteers, up to 10 would be amazing,” she said.

“Anyone that can volunteer two hours of their time a week, up to 15 hours, would be greatly appreciated. Just as long as they’re consistent, and able to commit on a weekly basis.

“They need to be relatively physically fit, as there is some lifting, and we're also after van drivers.”

The day will consist of various games of bowls, lunch and a spinning wheel full of prizes, donated by local businesses.

Mr Holland said the club was pleased to see returning sponsors still pitching in for the day despite the circumstances.

“We've got 100 regular sponsors who give to us and continue to give us things and despite COVID, the vast proportion are still helping us out,” he said.

Shepparton Park still has space for a couple more teams and is looking for more women to get involved. Teams are mixed and made up of four people, with the day running from 9:30am to 4pm.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the St Patrick’s fun at Shepparton Park Bowls Club next Thursday, give Ron Holland a call on 0419 213 508.

If you would like to volunteer or inquire about volunteering, call Grace Grieve on 0432 517 329.