Charity Rugby League raises $100,000 for Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
After multiple delays due to COVID and wet weather it was fantastic to see the return of the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Charity Rugby League Day at Singleton’s Pirtek Park last month.
With 11 men’s teams participated on the day with eventual Men’s Champions, Mount Arthur Meerkats defeating Bengalla Badgers 22-14 in the final.
In the Coxons Women’s in Mining Series the Champions on the day were the Hunter Hawkettes, who defeated the Valley Vixens 2-1 in a hard fought series.
Undeniably the biggest winner from the return was the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with an incredible $100,000 raised, bringing the total funds raised during the past six years of this event to a total of $511,000.
Event Coordinator and Regional Partnerships Officer for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Danny Eather said he is just astounded by the continued support from community in supporting this event after a hiatus.
“We knew that following multiple postponement due to COVID and wet weather, that anticipation amongst our local miners was high and everyone was looking forward to getting back together to support the cause however never did we imagine that the return event would see $100,000 raised, this is just testament to the support the community and for that we are so grateful,” he explained.
“Sometimes you question whether the support for an event will dwindle following a larger absence from the calendar, however this is not the case. With strong spectator numbers, participants and sponsors, all in is a reflection of the hard work our team of committed volunteers that have gone to in order grow this event year on year.”
More than 90 local businesses supported the teams to help their fundraising targets with major support from naming partner A-Plus Contracting & Poly Welding and event partners Australiasian Mining Service, Coxons, Tyre Doctor, Mine Super, Pirtek, Slater & Gordon, Jennings Print, Mader New South Wales, NSW Mining, Yancoal, Hunter Valley Operations, All-Pro, Bower’s Heavy Haulage, Oiltest, Coal Services Mines Rescue, Walton Mine Services, Kennards, Invent Air, At The Coalface, Rotary Club of Singleton, Lions Club of Singleton and host venue Singleton United Rugby League Club.
The Hunter Valley community, and in particular the mining sector, are well aware of vital work that the Rescue Helicopter undertakes within our region, so to receive this support is amazing and highlights the passion the community has in ensuring that the Rescue Helicopters are available 24-7 to save local lives.