Enlisting the help of a number of businesses, they are putting on a large-scale Goods and Services auction, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Greater Shepparton Community Flood Emergency Campaign.
Everything from a trip to the Liam Howley Racing stables at Kyneton to a boat will be up for grabs on the night, as the community comes together to help those in need.
Shepparton Real Estate managing director Ryan O’Connor explained how the idea came about and the logistics behind getting the night organised at such short notice.
“Annually on the Sunday before the Melbourne Cup we do a golf and bowls day at Tatura’s Hill Top Golf Club and we generally bring about 250 golfers and bowlers together,” O’Connor said.
“Unfortunately our golf and bowls day got rained out, so we had to postpone that to January, but we still had a number of items to auction, so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to raise some funds for the flood victims.
“So from there we got in touch with the Shepparton Golf Club about bringing the auction to the club and an hour later we were out there and everything was sorted for us.
“They’ve become joint hosts with us and together we are keen to put on a great night for the community.”
Set to have something on offer for all, O’Connor detailed some of the items that would be up for grabs and the other drawcards of the night.
“There is a real mixture of items on offer, for anyone who wants to donate big we’ve got a boat with motor registration and a trailer from Solar City Marine, we’ve got the Liam Howley package, split systems, TVs, the list goes on,” he said.
“We’ve got about 60 items going on auction for the night, so there will be something for everybody.
“The night kicks off with a performance from JB and Me and there will be a great chance to socialise, so along with the auction there will be plenty of fun to be had.”
O’Connor said it was important for businesses across town to come together and do what they could to assist those currently doing it tough.
“I’ve been an incredibly proud director since the floods started to come towards us, I don’t think my team has had a minute to breath and I have seen a similar thing from a number of other businesses too,” he said.
“When it comes to Friday night’s event I think it is super important to celebrate how our community has come together and assisted one another to defend homes from the floods and starting the clean up effort.
“So I hope it is a great chance for everyone to pat each other on the backs and say ‘we are an awesome community that helps one another’.”
The Flood Relief Fundraiser Goods and Services auction commences at 5.30pm at Shepparton Golf Club.
