Award for Royal Waive
By Maryborough Advertiser • Dec 1st, 2012 • Category: Football
The Royal Park Football Netball Club has received one of Cancer Council Victoria’s top honor’s after being presented with a President’s Award for efforts in raising funds and awareness for men’s cancer within their community.
This year, the club started the Royal Waive, asking each of its players to waive their season match payments and instead donate them to the Cancer Council’s Call To Arms program.
During season 2012 Royal Park FNC donated nearly $20,000 to charity, $5000 to Maryborough District Health Service and the remainder to the Cancer Council Victoria.
The almost $15,000 donated to the Cancer Council is the most funds raised by a non-professional club since the program’s inception in 2006.
Call To Arms is a year-round fundraising campaign where sporting teams of all codes and levels pick a game during their season, wear something yellow, and raise funds and awareness for cancer in men.
Cancer Council Victoria spokesperson, Deb Stringer, said the President’s Awards recognizes outstanding individuals and groups for their ongoing and committed support to reducing the impact of cancer within the community — something which the Royal Park Football Netball Club has clearly achieved.
“We know that incidence and mortality rates of cancer in men are greater than those in women,” Ms Stringer said.
“By successfully encouraging people in their local community to join the Royal Waive, Royal Park have not only raised vital funds for research, prevention, support and advocacy for men’s cancers, but also raised awareness of health and lifestyle factors associated with cancer in men which is a fantastic result,” she said.
“Many country footballers rely on match payments as a second income, so to forfeit an entire season is a true testament to the club and its players.”
Ms Stringer said it was important to recognize the efforts and contribution volunteers like the Royal Park Football Netball Club have made to the organization and the community.
“We rely heavily on volunteers. They are the backbone of this organization. Without them we would not be able to continue our fight against cancer,” she said.
“The club has truly made a whole-hearted effort to do the best they can to help reduce cancer in their community and in Victoria and in the process have become great role models for other sporting clubs and men throughout Victoria.”
To register your club for Call To Arms, sponsor a team or donate, visit www.calltoarms.com.au or call 1300 656 585.
Last Modified on 20/02/2013 15:28