Online bowls community lends hand to fire-affected clubs
Support for Bowls Australia’s (BA) Bowls Disaster Relief Fund has continued, with an online community of bowlers the most recent group to pitch in.
The Lawn Bowlers Australia Facebook group, an online community of nearly 19,000 bowlers, recently donated $3000 to the fund.
More than $70,000 has been raised in 2020 to assist clubs impacted by the devastating bushfires across the country from earlier this year.
The group raised funds through the sale of raffle tickets, as well as via sales of a specially-designed bowls shirt paying homage to firefighters who helped battle the bushfires.
Group administrator Sam Clough OAM said it was good to see the group be able to lend a hand.
“We have people from all different parts in the group. It was a good chance for them help some fellow bowlers who had done it tough,” he said.
“I’d like to thank all the members on the page for their support.”
Earlier this year, BA provided financial assistance via the BDRF to clubs including:
- Adelong Services and Bowling Club (NSW)
- Corryong Bowls Club (VIC)
- Lake Conjola Bowling and Recreation Club (NSW)
- Mallacoota Inlet Bowling Club (NSW)
- Parndana Bowling Club (SA)
- Tomakin Sports & Social Club (NSW)
Allocations have been made to support these clubs on their road to recovery in whatever way the fires may have impacted their club.
BA CEO Neil Dalrymple, President Daryl Clout, former Jackaroo Karen Murphy and current BCiB Australian Jackaroos head coach Steve Glasson also recently completed a tour of fire-affected regions in NSW and Victoria.
The group talked to members, hearing stories of devastation but also of resilience and community spirit.
Donations to the Bowls Disaster Relief Fund can be made year-round, with more information available at bowls.com.au/club-support/bowls-disaster-relief-fund/.
