Generosity was on full display at this year’s Variety WA Race Day at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club (KBRC), with racegoers raising an impressive $47,000 for the children’s charity.
Held at KBRC’s race meeting on 27 July, the annual fundraising event brought the community together for a vibrant day of racing, raffles, auctions and on-course entertainment, all in support of children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.
A total of $42,000 was raised through ticket sales, advertising and fundraising activities, with Racing WA contributing an additional $5000 through its Race Club Community Program to bring the overall total to $47,000.
KBRC CEO Craig Smith said the annual event was a highlight of the Goldfields’ racing calendar.
“We love having a race day dedicated to raising awareness for Variety WA,” Craig said.
“It’s a big day for us and the local community really gets behind it. Variety WA does a great job for our community and families and we’re proud to support their work.”
With race clubs in every region across the State, 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.
“KBRC chose a very 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.”
Since the program’s inception in 2015, race clubs and Racing WA have jointly raised more than $1 million for charitable organisations and community groups.