A halt to the season before competition began and a rain-hindered pre-season match have proved a financial challenge for one Highlands Rugby League Club.
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But the committee behind the scenes is not about to let the hurdles dampen spirits.
The Mittagong Senior Lions Rugby League Football Club is preparing to spread a little cheer in the community and it has been surprised by the amount of support it has received from Highlands businesses.
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The committee is running a Mother's Day Raffle, will be drawn on May 8 to allow the committee time for delivery before the special day.
The fundraising effort was initiated by the club secretary Catherine Mackey and treasurer Cindy Wood during a brainstorming session to keep spirits aliveand funds in the kitty while the sport was on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"Like all sporting clubs, we have a huge outlay at the beginning of the season, equipment, jerseys, playing gear, medical equipment, food and drinks for home games, so many costs involved just to get the season started," Catherine said.
"We set up for at least eight home games and run our stock down through the season.
"We had one trial game at our Lions Den. It rained all day, we had a team withdraw the week leading up and there were already fears circulating about COVID-19 so we had about a quarter of the crowd we normally would have."
Cindy said it was Catherine "brilliant idea" for a Mothers' Day raffle that would hopefully give the club a much-needed financial boost while putting a smile on the faces of many mums.
"The support from local businesses has been amazing, every person we have asked have said yes to a donation, without hesitation," Cindy said.
"These are small businesses that are also doing it tough during this time, but they have donated to the club.
"It was really eye opening to go and see these businesses to collect the prizes and see how quiet they are.
"We have to get around and support them. Without small business so many things will stop.
"They are the businesses that always support our clubs and charities.
"They are our friends and locals.
"One example is Simon from Simon's Gourmet Butcher in Springett's Arcade. He supports every home game with two beautiful meat trays for us to raffle off, he drops the stock off to the home ground as we are normally flat out, provides the best produce at such a great price, and every time we run any fundraiser he helps us out, no questions.
"It's really heartwarming. He is collecting ticket sales at his shop.
"I would love it if people decided to buy their tickets from him and other businesses, and support his business while there by buying some meat!"
Cindy said she was surprised with immediate support when the raffle idea was first announced.
"We had three companies request to be involved. What a community!," she said.
"We of course said yes, and any other companies that would like to help, we will of course involve as well.
"I really hope this helps out with extra sales and foot traffic for our local businesses."
Catherine and Cindy are thrilled with the impressive mix of prizes up for grabs in the raffle.
Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased via direct bank deposit using your name as a reference at BSB- 062-572, Account number 10049359 or at Simon's Gourmet Butchery, Gypsy Road and Bowral Sweets and Treats in High Street, Bowral.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Bottle-O in Mittagong and Mittagong Car Wash and Café.
The prizes on offer include:
- Voucher at Mittagong Car Wash and Café
- Voucher at Flowers by Van Til
- Hamper from Bowral Sweets and Treats
- Champagne from the Bottle -O at Mittagong
- Voucher from the Bottle-O at Mittagong
- Two meat trays from Simon's Gourmet Butchery
- Hamper from Glass Café Corner Store
- Hair Care Products kindly donated by Patrick Glanville
- Voucher at Gypsy Road
- PT sessions from BFWB kindly donated by Brooke Meadows
- Canadian Club Merchandise from Coca Cola
- Baker's Delight Mittagong and Bowral have also contributed a prize.
- Royal hotel voucher
Cindy and Catherine said all prizes had been donated and the committee of Mittagong Lions Senior RLFC were so appreciative of the support of these small businesses when times were tough and uncertain.
"We also appreciate the support of the community."