The Wagin trotting community can hold their heads high after efforts from their Christmas race meet helped provide support for much-needed medical upgrades in the community.
Through raffles, games and money trails, the Wagin Trotting Club and St John WA joined forces to fundraise for updating and maintaining automatic external defibrillators around Wagin.
Racing WA matched the funds raised on the day through its Race Club Community Program, taking the total raised to $4080.
ST John WA representative Margie Ward said the event brought the community together for a good cause.
“It means a great deal as we support the trotting club and they are big supporters of our organisation,” Margie said.
“It was fantastic to work together for our community.”
Wagin Trotting Club Secretary and Treasurer Fiona Hetherington said the club was thrilled to support the local St Johns team.
“St. John Wagin help our club tremendously on race days, and we are very pleased to give back to them,” Fiona said.
With 44 of WA’s 47 race clubs based in remote and regional communities, Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said the positive effects of the fundraising program have been extensive for community groups and not-for-profits.
“Race clubs play an important role in their communities – both economically and socially – with partnerships like this a prime example of the strong connection race clubs have with their communities,” Ian said.
“Wagin Trotting Club chose a worthy cause for their fundraising, and we are pleased to add to their efforts.
“Racing WA is committed to making a positive contribution to our State. The Race Club Community Program allows clubs to guide our giving by proposing a local group or charity they believe deserves support and we match the funds raised on special race days.”
Since the program’s inception in 2015, race clubs and Racing WA have jointly raised more than $1 million for charitable organisations.